The Chicago Bears needed a win over the Detroit Lions on Sunday. Mercifully, they got it done. While there were plenty of heroes on the afternoon including Robert Quinn, Khalil Mack, David Montgomery (please be okay), and Allen Robinson. The biggest story of this game was the emergence of some younger players. While all eyes were on Justin Fields, the equally encouraging story was the sudden ascent of some 2020 draft picks.
This isn’t embellishment either. Several names from that group were outstanding in this game. Start with Darnell Mooney. The former 5th round pick has looked so close to big plays the past few weeks but couldn’t seem to make it happen. Finally, aided by Fields’ excellent deep accuracy, he struck multiple times. That included bombs of 64 and 32 yards to help set up Bears touchdowns during the game.
Mooney finished with 125 yards on the day. The best of his young career.
Yet he wasn’t the only one who shined in this game. Fellow 5th round pick Trevis Gipson finally had a big opportunity to play after being glued to the bench the first couple of weeks. He sure as hell didn’t waste time, sacking Jared Goff while repeatedly beating 7th overall pick Penei Sewell in the process for two tackles for a loss as well. He was everywhere. The kid looked every bit like the player the Bears traded up to get.
This is a huge development for the Bears. They already know Jaylon Johnson is a stud. He added his sixth pass breakup of the year to his tally along with his interception. Mooney now leads the team with 226 yards through four games. He is on pace for 960 yards this season. A significant jump from last year. If Fields keeps dealing those long balls? It could get even better. Then you have Gipson come on a pass rusher. This class is looking like something special.
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Chicago Bears might be laying the foundations of something
Keep in mind the team didn’t have 1st, 3rd, or 4th round picks in the draft last year. For them to last a possible top 10 cornerback, a legitimate deep threat receiver, and a possible starting pass rusher? That is incredible work by GM Ryan Pace. The big question mark is Cole Kmet. He was the top pick in that class and has really struggled to make an impact as a receiver at tight end. If they could somehow get him more involved, that would be even better.
Combine this with notable improvement from Fields this week? It looks like the Chicago Bears suddenly have a young nucleus to be excited about. They already have Fields, Mooney, and Montgomery on offense. On defense, they now have Roquan Smith, Johnson, Gipson, and Bilal Nichols. All of them are 25 or younger. That is something to build around. Something that could turn into a legitimate playoff contender down the road.
This upcoming stretch of games will determine a lot.
First a trip to Las Vegas, then hosting the Packers and then visiting the defending champion Buccaneers. If those guys want to show the world that they have what it takes to play against the best? This will be the perfect opportunity. If they do, then the excitement about this team’s future can truly begin.
