DJ Moore Breaks Silence on Bears’ Season-Ending Interception

One play defined the Chicago Bears’ 2025 season. In overtime of the NFC Divisional Round against the Los Angeles Rams, quarterback Caleb Williams threw a pass intended for wide receiver DJ Moore that was intercepted by Kamren Curl, setting up the game-winning field goal and abruptly ending Chicago’s playoff hopes.

Weeks later, Moore offered his perspective on the interception, stressing that it stemmed from a miscommunication rather than a lapse in effort or execution. “My side of the story is just like everybody else’s. It’s just miscommunication,” he told CHGO on Thursday. “We’ve gotta attack it the next time we got something like that and just go from there.”

Moore’s comments echoed those of Williams and head coach Ben Johnson, who both framed the play as a breakdown in coordination rather than a single player’s fault. The interception drew widespread attention, partly because Moore appeared to slow down on his route during the broadcast, drawing criticism from fans and analysts alike.

The timing intensified the scrutiny. Chicago had driven deep into Rams territory, needing only a field goal to advance. While Moore’s role was prominent, Williams himself threw three interceptions during the game, highlighting that the loss was the result of multiple factors, not one isolated mistake.

1. Moore’s 2025 Season in Context

Moore’s performance in 2025 fueled the debate around the season-ending interception. The 28-year-old, acquired from Carolina in 2023 as part of the trade that eventually brought Williams to Chicago, entered the offseason carrying the highest cap hit on the roster at $28.5 million. Expectations for the veteran receiver were high, particularly in Johnson’s first year as head coach, but his production fell short. Over 17 regular-season games, Moore caught 50 passes for 682 yards and six touchdowns, averaging 13.6 yards per catch on 85 targets. In the playoffs, he contributed 11 receptions for 116 yards and two touchdowns across two games. By statistical measures, it was the lowest yardage season of his career. Meanwhile, rookie tight end Colston Loveland led the team in receiving yards, signaling a shift in the passing hierarchy and amplifying the scrutiny on Moore’s contributions. Despite the numbers, Moore remained a key offensive target, and his experience played a role in guiding younger players and supporting the offense overall. Even amid a disappointing individual season, Moore’s presence helped Chicago achieve an 11-6 record and secure the NFC North title. The team’s overall success mitigated some criticism, but the season-ending interception remains the defining moment for fans and analysts evaluating his 2025 campaign.

2. Addressing the Interception

Moore was candid about the infamous play, emphasizing that it was a team issue rather than a personal failing. He insisted that communication missteps, not effort, caused the turnover. “It’s just miscommunication,” he repeated, framing the incident as a learning opportunity rather than a moment of blame. The broadcast angle contributed to the narrative, with Moore appearing to slow on his route and prompting some to question his focus. Analysts dissected every detail, from timing to positioning, but Moore and his teammates pushed back on the notion that he “lost the game” for the Bears. Williams and coach Johnson reinforced the same explanation, emphasizing that multiple errors influenced the outcome. The interception occurred in the context of a longer drive and a high-pressure situation, highlighting the collective nature of the breakdown rather than attributing it solely to Moore. Moore’s response closes the chapter on the immediate controversy. While fans and pundits continue to debate the moment, the receiver framed it as a point of growth and preparation for future critical situations, signaling his commitment to addressing similar scenarios moving forward.

3. Future in Chicago and Cap Considerations

Amid trade speculation, Moore made it clear that he intends to remain with the Bears. In exit meetings, he told the team that he loves being in Chicago and is fully committed to Johnson’s leadership. General manager Ryan Poles publicly praised Moore’s overall impact, highlighting his influence both on and off the field despite a statistical downturn. Financial considerations complicate the decision-making process. Trading Moore before June 1 would save the team $16.5 million in cap space, while a post–June 1 move would free $24.5 million. His 2027 salary becomes fully guaranteed early in the league year, giving the Bears a limited window to make a strategic choice. Moore’s willingness to stay and his expressed commitment to the team provides clarity on his personal intentions, even as the organization weighs its financial and roster options. His leadership, experience, and connection with teammates remain valuable assets for Chicago as it enters the 2026 offseason. For now, Moore’s explanation of the pivotal interception closes the book on the moment itself, while questions about his future in Chicago remain unresolved. The Bears must balance loyalty, performance, and cap considerations as they determine the next steps for one of the team’s highest-profile players.