Chicago Bears: 5 staggering statistics through Week 2

3. Darnell Mooney stepping ahead of Anthony Miller?

In Week 2, Mooney was second in snaps among receivers at 39, with the next closest being 29 by Javon Wims.

Week 1 was all about Anthony Miller. The Bears would have never come back to beat the Lions had it not been for some incredible plays made by the third-year wide receiver. But, an intriguing trend in the Bears’ offense has seen Miller’s offensive snaps stay a bit lower than anticipated.

For starters, the Bears are using a lot more 12 personnel, meaning two tight ends are on the field. That’s a big part of what the Bears want to do in terms of running the ball. In that formation, the Bears will only have two wide receivers on the field.

Of course, Allen Robinson is going to be one of those receivers on most occasions. But, opposite of Robinson is where it gets interesting. Sometimes it’s been Miller. Other times, it’s been Mooney or Wims.

Mooney is the one who intrigues a lot of fans right now, because his snap count climbed in Week 2. As a rookie fifth-round pick, out-snapping Miller is telling. Do the Bears value his speed and route-running over the unpredictability of Miller?

By all early accounts, they do — and Mooney has been outstanding with the opportunities he’s been given. The routes and footwork are crisp. The speed is obvious — that’s why he was drafted. But, he also showed a veteran’s presence on his touchdown catch against the Giants, using his body to get in front of the defensive back and make the grab.

If the Bears continue to put Mooney on the field more than Miller, that only goes to show that Ryan Pace hit a home run with yet another mid-round pick.