The Chicago Bears might finally have a wide receiver tandem worth being excited about. In 2018 and 2019, it was basically the Allen Robinson show for them. He was excellent and everybody else was serviceable at best. Then in 2020, things seemed to change. A lowly 5th round pick emerged from obscurity to swipe a starting job and set the franchise record for receptions by a rookie with 61 catches, 631 yards, and four touchdowns. That was Darnell Mooney.
Robinson should’ve been a Pro Bowler last season. Matt Nagy gave Mooney the highest praise, calling him the possible next DeSean Jackson. It certainly paints a picture of what the Bears may have. A receiver pairing that may finally rival what the team had in Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery or Curtis Conway and Jeff Graham. One thing is for sure. The two are working as if that is exactly what they intend to be.
Just check out this video posted from workouts down in Miami.
The thing that stands out immediately is the route running. Robinson has been known for this trait going back years. He is one of the best route runners in the NFL. A huge reason why he’s able to constantly get open. What caught the Bears by surprise last year was how good Mooney already was at route running. Over the following months going into the season? He got even better.
Now it appears both men are in top form. Their relentless work ethics serving them well ahead of training camp. If Robinson remains who he’s been for years and Mooney takes that next step forward? This pairing is going to give defenses headaches. Especially if the quarterbacks can start hitting them with more consistency.
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Allen Robinson continues to be unselfish
It would be so easy for the veteran receiver to stay away from the team. He still doesn’t have any inkling of a long-term contract despite months of waiting. He’s set to play 2021 on the franchise tag unless something happens in the next three weeks. It would be easy for him to decide to stay away from the team and hold out in protest. Instead, he was present during mandatory minicamps, is working with Mooney on the side, and made it clear he will be present at training camp.
That is how the best football players handle their business. Continue to be a great player on the field and a great teammate off it. If the Bears aren’t going to reward Allen Robinson for that, then somebody else will next offseason. Hopefully, the team does the right thing by him. Until then, fans can look forward to this pair doing some damage.
Will they get some help?
Andy Dalton is the current projected starter for the 2021 season. While not a star in any sense, one can safely say he’s a minor upgrade over Mitch Trubisky and Nick Foles. There is also 11th overall pick Justin Fields who could see action as well. A lot of talent in that quarterback room. If they can get some adequate protection, it could be a big year for Robinson and Mooney.