Chicago Bears: Mooney Stepping Up To Do Whatever The Team Needs

Wide receiver Darnell Mooney is ready to step up and be a leader for the Chicago Bears both on the field and in the locker room.

Many people around the league expect Chicago Bears wide receiver Darnell Mooney to have a breakout season. He had a terrific season in 2021, eclipsing the 1,000-receiving yard mark in his second season. With him now firmly entrenched as WR1, he is expected to take another big step. While he was the leading receiver last season, Allen Robinson was the WR1. With Robinson gone now, Mooney takes over the top spot.

He embraces the added pressure of being the guy opposing defenses prepare to stop.

I’m ready for whatever anybody brings to me. I’m ready for any task, any type of defense that we’re seeing, whatever it is, anyway, I can help the team. You know, if I get double-teamed, I’ll be a decoy for the team so everybody else can be open. I mean, I’m good with that. Any way I can help win.

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Mooney is the leader of the receiving corps

Mooney’s responsibilities aren’t just on the field. He’s expected to be a leader in the locker room as well.

One of the things Mooney did during OTAs and minicamps was taking rookie Velus Jones Jr. under his wing. He worked with him on how to run routes and how to deal with the NFL, passing his experiences to him.

Mooney also served as Jones’ hype man. When talking about him, he had glowing words, saying “he can fly” and that he’ll be a playmaker.

With Mooney in his ear and seeing how Mooney and quarterback Justin Fields work so well together, Jones feels very motivated. He wants to soak up as much as he can so he could have a successful rookie season. As a result, he decided to join Mooney and Fields in Georgia to work out with them during the break before training camp.

It isn’t just with the rookie. Mooney has a special bond with Fields and he understands that if Fields is doing well so is he. This is what he recently said about his quarterback.

He wants to take over the league… He wants to be the best quarterback in the league. I have unbelievable faith that he’ll be there. His success is my success.

He understands how things work and wants to show the world how good he could be with Fields. He felt insulted that he didn’t go until the fifth round of the 2020 draft. He feels he is the best receiver from that draft and works hard to show that.

Mooney might not be a household name around the league yet, but he wants to make sure that he will become one very soon.