The Chicago Bears have devoted some training camp time to giving DJ Moore snaps out of the backfield to get the explosive receiver the ball in open space.
Moore has had one session with running backs coach Eric Bieniemy, reviewing route concepts from the backfield. The veteran acknowledged that learning new splits is more challenging than it looks.
"It's daunting," Moore said Monday, via the Chicago Sun-Times, "but I get paid the big bucks to do it, so why not?"
Under new coach Ben Johnson and offensive coordinator Declan Doyle, the club is toying with using Moore out of the backfield for a few reps here or there in an effort to create mismatches and get the veteran receiver the ball with more space.
"DJ is one of those guys that you really love when the ball is in his hands," Doyle said. "Just trying to find ways to be creative about how we do that. Trying to get him touches in every way we can. ... He's very natural back there. He has good vision. It's one of those things that we'll test it and mess with it a little bit and see where it goes."
Moore isn't switching positions, and his backfield use will likely be limited. However, shifting to or lining up from the backfield could generate mismatches against defenses expecting him outside. Most of Moore's backfield snaps will probably be pass routes, but he is open to taking handoffs.
"Just be an athlete at this point," he said. "Just do it all and just attack it."
Moore's backfield role highlights the uncertainties in the Bears' running back group entering the season. Improved blocking should help D'Andre Swift rebound from last year's underwhelming performance. Still, the group lacks explosiveness, especially in the passing game -- an area where Moore could contribute.
