3 young Chicago Bears players who must step up in 2022

Darnell Mooney must step up for the Chicago Bears in 2022

As stated previously, the current national narrative is that the Bears have not given Justin Fields enough to work with in his second season. Specifically, talking heads have felt the need to throw third-year wide receiver Darnell Mooney under the bus.

For whatever reason, there is a whole lot of doubt when it comes to Mooney and his potential to lead this receiving corps. There are even doubts that he qualifies as a legitimate WR2 in this league — which is a blatant, lazy, lie of a take.

Watching Mooney’s tape last year, one saw a receiver who was not just a deep threat. He was not just a speed guy. Mooney actually got open regularly, and not just down field. His route-running took a giant leap forward in his second season.

As a fifth-round pick, Mooney isn’t given a lot of credit. But, if he steps up in his third year and puts up another strong season, he could quiet some of the critics, first and foremost. But, if he proves he is reliable enough to be an integral part of the offense and a guy who Fields can target 140-plus times, then this offense will absolutely improve.

Let’s not forget, Mooney caught 81 passes on 140 targets last year, for a total of 1,055 yards and four touchdowns — and that was from three different quarterbacks, in an offense put together by a now-fired head coach.