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Bears News

What DJ Moore means calling Caleb Williams ‘bossy,’ and how Bears QB personalized his leadership style

3 months agoScott Bair

WARE, England – DJ Moore was at the podium on Wednesday afternoon when Caleb Williams walked in. The rookie quarterback was up next in the press conference rotation at Hanbury Manor, where the Bears are preparing to face the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday at Tottenham Stadium.

Moore smiled instantly, greeting Williams with a slow clap.

Moore’s next question was about Williams, which normally prompts a stock answer when other the guy’s in the room. Williams’ presence might have brought out a more colorful one regarding how the quarterback has gotten better these past few weeks.

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“He’s taken those strides that he needs to,” Moore said. “He’s been bossy lately, telling us that we need to be in on the details. We really do for him to be the best player he needs to be.”

Williams smiled at the gentle ribbing, now aware that cameras were focused on his reaction. Considering the scene playing out, another question about Williams being demanding of others on the offense was surely on its way.

“You do wanna see that,” Moore said. “He’s like little bro, so you’re looking at him like, ‘dude, don’t be talking to me like that.’ But I understand. Because we need to really connect on that.

“That’s what we did the past week (when Moore scored two touchdowns). I took his advice, I listened, you know what I’m saying? Older bro had to take a back seat for a second.”

Williams was naturally asked about the bossiness of it all, which was really Moore saying (in his own way) that Williams is finding his voice.

“Partially, it was me learning everybody and understanding how everybody reacts to certain things,” Williams said. “Certain people you can be a little bossy with, certain people you have to talk very monotone and in control of yourself and other times there’s people that you can just kind of lash out at. I don’t really lash out much. That’s not really my vibe. But just always coming over to talk to the guys when I can.”

Learning this offensive roster and its personalities has been a process from the offseason program on, as Williams learns how to lead those working with him.

Knowing how and when to have conversations focused on improvement has been key. So has his increased scheme knowledge, which he can use as an authority on the subject.

“I think it has been from the start of the season,” Williams said. “I think there were things we were getting better at, things that I need to be better at, and partially it was me speaking up a little bit more and not getting so annoyed and understanding what I need to say to people and how I need to say it, when I need to say it, and I think that progress has grown from the first game to now.” 

Some sideline conversations with Moore have been the most visible, with issues getting worked out to help get on the same page.

“I think the biggest thing is just going over there and talking to DJ,” Williams said. “First let the frustration — or maybe it was a good drive so maybe (there’s) no frustration. Maybe it was one of those drives that we felt like we should have scored or should have gotten the ball some more or anything like that. Go over and talk to him after everything settles down, whether it’s good or bad. Go over there and talk to him and just be right on the same level that he is. I think DJ’s not a huge ‘rah rah’ guy unless he scores, like you all saw last week. Big bro, as he said.”

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