On May 7, Chicago Bears star wide receiver D.J. Moore was asked about Green Bay Packers signing New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney, responding with “That’s nice.” What was meant to be a subtle jab didn’t faze McKinney—instead, it fueled him to become the NFL leader with six interceptions. Since then, the two star players have gone in different directions, with McKinney reminding Bears fans of the inexcusable action Moore made during the Bears loss to the Arizona Cardinals.
Packers Xavier McKinney Sounds off on Bears DJ Moore
What D.J. Moore said during the offseason obviously rubbed Xavier McKinney the wrong way. When asked if Moore even knows who he is, McKinney replied, “I hope so. I don’t give a damn about what he knows.”
McKinney also called out Moore for leaving the field mid-play while Caleb Williams was trying to make a play.
“The dude walked out on his quarterback. I’ve been playing football for five years now and I’ve been watching football for longer than that, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen [anything like it]. You’re supposed to be the guy and you’re just walking off the field. You’re walking off the field on a rookie quarterback that you’ve been praising. So, it’s like, that’s a whole other story.”
According to Moore, he said he immediately walked to the bench because he injured his ankle. “Cap,” McKinney said. “That’s what I say. Cap”
Does D.J. Moore Deserve the Criticism?
Trying to be as nonbiased as possible, D.J. Moore definitely deserves some criticism. While an ankle injury can make it tough to get open, Moore returned to the game soon after the incident, which raises questions about his decision to walk off mid-play. It’s not a good look to walk out mid play, especially when the snap is still in play. Xavier McKinney also has the right to criticize Moore. He’s one of the top safeties in the NFL this season, and he’s not attacking Moore for his talent, but rather him essentially giving up on Caleb during that play.
Moore signed a four-year, $110 million extension over the offseason but hasn’t produced on the field. The Bears believe firing Shane Waldron and promoting passing game coordinator Thomas Brown will be part of the solution, but it’s also on Moore to figure it out. There’s a lack of chemistry with Williams, and there have been instances of Moore letting his emotions get the best of him at times this season.
Fueling the Bears-Packers Rivalry
McKinney believes the Bears-Packers rivalry is real, saying, “I don’t think there’s anything fake about this. Honestly, in this league, I don’t think there’s anything fake about rivalries, honestly. I think rivalries are extremely real, and I think this is one of the realest ones that we’ve got in this league.”
Appreciate the sentiment, McKinney, but unfortunately, this rivalry has been one-sided for a while. The Packers have won the last 10 matchups, and it doesn’t seem likely the Bears will break that streak this season. Still, McKinney’s comments about Moore are sure to fire up Bears fans, intensifying the animosity between these two iconic franchises.
Now, speaking as a Bears fan, let’s hope D.J. Moore proves McKinney wrong with a 100+ yard game and a couple of touchdowns on Sunday.
Main Image: Mark J. Rebilas – USA Today Sports
