After a year of inconsistent quarterback play, Chicago Bears wide receivers Darnell Mooney and Allen Robinson will enter 2021 with Andy Dalton and Justin Fields at the most important position in sports. In 2021, both wide receivers combined for 163 receptions, 1881 receiving yards, and 10 touchdowns.
Set to play 2021 on the franchise tag, Robinson has been labeled a “pro” by the Bears coaching staff. Entering his eighth season, Robinson should have another big year, with the goal of securing a long-term contract extension next offseason. Mooney’s speed makes him a major asset in the vertical passing game for the Bears, allowing for wide receivers and tight ends to get open underneath, giving Fields and Dalton quick and easy completions.
Both Robinson and Mooney will hope to make the jump towards becoming one of the NFL’s top wide receiver duos. When Chicago’s offense is clicking at a high level, something that starts with consistently good quarterback play, both wide receivers are capable of catching 100-plus receptions a season, along with 1000-yard seasons.
“To me, I didn’t exceed everything I wanted to accomplish but going into year two, I just want to be more of a threat to the defenders and more of an asset to the team,” Mooney said this offseason via the Bears official YouTube Page.
Robinson accounted for 68 first downs in 2020, being the main reason that Chicago’s sluggish offense was able to move the chains at times while accounting for 319 yards after the catch. In the same categories, Mooney accounted for 33 first downs and 254 yards after the catch. With the Bears adding more speed to the offense this year, production in both categories mentioned should increase, creating additional opportunities for both players.
As the Bears continue to prepare for the 2021 regular season, a year that will be defined by quarterback play, Robinson and Mooney can play a big role in how the Bears’ 2021 season turns out.