Darnell Mooney has expressed total confidence in quarterback Justin Fields going into 2022. He feels the young quarterback is poised for a strong second season. One reason for such optimism is knowing he’ll be there to help. The young receiver has been tied to the hip of Fields all offseason from passing drills to the weight room and film sessions. Both men are determined to solidify their chemistry. They know what they can do together, having seen glimpses of it last season in games against Detroit and Pittsburgh.
Most of the national media don’t buy it, believing Fields is devoid of any true go-to receivers. Mooney was nothing more than the benefactor of having Allen Robinson drawing away so many coverages. Not everybody thinks this is true, though. All-Pro defensive line Cameron Heyward expressed genuine admiration for what the duo has already accomplished and believes their best is yet to come. Kevin Patra of NFL.com said much the same in his recent column.
“Mooney is in line to see a heap of targets come his way following a breakout Year 2 after the Bears did little to buffer the burgeoning receiver this offseason. Mooney led the Bears with 81 catches, 1,055 receiving yards and four TD grabs in 2021 — and 523 of Justin Fields’ 1,870 pass yards were to Mooney (28.0%). Mooney displayed the ability to stretch the field, portending a good rapport with Fields’ big-arm capabilities. The Fields-Mooney combo finished the season with an average of 13.4 air yards per attempt, 11th-most among all QB-WR duos, per Next Gen Stats, and just a tick ahead of Russell Wilson-DK Metcalf.”
Justin Fields to Darnell Mooney can hit big.
Much of it comes down to how they are utilized. New offensive coordinator Luke Getsy seems intent on two things. They are getting the ball out of Fields’ hands faster and trying to include more play action in the offense. Both of these should play right into the hands of Mooney. The first receiver Fields is likely to look for on quick throws is him. Not only that, but Mooney is also the team’s best deep threat. That means he’ll be a frequent target on play action.
If health permits for both players, then Justin Fields to Darnell Mooney is going to produce. There is too much talent and chemistry between the two for it not to happen. What remains uncertain is how well they acclimate to the new offense. It might take a few weeks before they start clicking. That isn’t anything unusual. Once it happens, both men have shown they can get hot in a hurry. In the absence of winning, that should be fun to watch.
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Bailey, can you stop sucking Lamberts proverbial phallus?
Antonio Brown was a small receiver too. He did Very well…
Key word here is can but will they… I have my doubts about Mooney more than Justin since hes tiny and isnt a WR1