3 players the Chicago Bears need to break out against the Texans

2. Darnell Mooney has to show up against the Texans

Paging Darnell Mooney — is he there?

Just like the Packers did a week ago, the Bears have to try and take advantage of rookie defensive backs. The Texans have a pair of highly-drafted guys in Derek Stingley Jr. and Jalen Pitre, but Chicago also features a rookie in Kyler Gordon. Even though Gordon is going to be a good player in this league, the Packers tested him early and often — and they won.

Mooney is a third-year pro who excels in going deep, working the 15-to-20 yard range and also can beat you after the catch on short passes. He has yet to get going in two games this year, and you better believe he’s listening to all of the hot takes and criticism.

There are plenty who believe he cannot be a true number one receiver, and so far he’s proven that. Maybe he’s not a number one guy, but the Bears need him to play the part this season, and Houston is a prime opportunity for him to take advantage of a couple rookies who haven’t played against him yet.

As a deemed number one receiver, Mooney has to be coveting the football at this point. You can bet that Getsy will work together with Fields to get the ball in his hands in this game. It’s coming — and the Bears need it to happen over and over again to establish themselves in this one.