Darnell Mooney understands the pressure he and the rest of the Chicago Bears offense is under. They’ve been bad pretty much since he arrived in 2020. The young wide receiver is one of their few bright spots. If this group is going to take a step forward, they need others to step up in the passing game to help Justin Fields. One name people have circled as a hopeful contributor is 3rd round pick, Velus Jones.
There’s been some buzz around the Tennessee receiver over the past few weeks. It seems he’s impressed coaches both with his work ethic and his considerable athletic skills. They aren’t the only ones, it seems. Without even being asked on Tuesday, Mooney gushed about the potential he sees in his new teammate. Enough to where he offered a promise that once things get serious, everybody will recognize that this young man is a playmaker.
Bears WR Darnell Mooney: "One guy, Velus, when he gets the ball, y’all will see. He can fly. He’s gonna be a playmaker for sure."
— Kevin Fishbain (@kfishbain) June 14, 2022
Darnell Mooney likely understands what is coming with Jones.
Bears fans with good memories probably recall hearing the same exact things about Mooney back in 2020. Nobody expected much from him as a rookie, and then the rumblings started to build going into training camp that he was making plays. Before anybody realized it, he’d battled his way into the starting lineup and finished with the Bears’ single-season rookie record for receptions.
If Jones follows the same trajectory, the Bears’ offense might be in business. Having one speedy receiver that can make plays is good. Having two of them is great. Darnell Mooney can fly too. Everybody knows that. This combination is a perfect fit for Fields. He loves to attack defenses deep. Having the added bonus of two guys that can turn six-yard slants into 60-yard touchdowns doesn’t hurt either.
One person that would feel great vindication from this is GM Ryan Poles. He took lots of flak for the Jones pick in April. The rookie becoming an instant contributor would be perfect told-you-so vibes.
Much of this comes down to offensive coordinator Luke Getsy. How many ways can he find to get the ball in Jones’ hands? Most rookies aren’t the sharpest route runners yet. So they need help from the scheme to find open space, no matter how fast they might be. Getsy has experience with this from his time in Green Bay. Expect lots of slants, screens, and jet sweeps. Then there will be the play action game, which will give him premium opportunities to slip over the top.
If he can force defenses to respect him, it will only help Mooney as well. Single-covering him is a losing proposition at this point. Right now defensive coaches are already crafting gameplans meant to roll coverages in his direction, knowing he’s the only proven receiver they have. That is why the development of Jones is crucial. Covering one big-play target is relatively easy. Covering two is a nightmare. Especially if the quarterback can make effective use of play action or is getting well-protected by his offensive line.
The possibilities are extensive.
lambert very good..Well done. folks he was 1 in ras. i see tyreek speed and play abilty just little raw. but some comments have him at facilty very early. they trained him and keep trianing.. dont sleep he the #1 there. you have a AROB in 18th i been pounding him TY for your hard work. very very well done
Getsy will get V. Jones the ball underneath. He will see some reverses and WR screens as well. After a couple of good plays he can be a decoy. Then he can slip past a defender and hit deep. He doesn’t have to be great, just has to have the threat of beating a defense for a big play and hit one now and then. It will open up running lanes and also open the middle for the TE’s. A good offense needs multiple talented threats and then good play calling. I can see RPO’s, play action, solid outside zone… Read more »
He looks like he has skills but in all of his highlights he doesn’t seem to have game breaking speed. Some guys can run a great 40 at the combine but don’t show it on the field