Here’s the Quick -n- Dirrty..
- Darnell Mooney has had a very disappointing 2023 season so far with only 27 receptions, 395 yards, and 1 touchdown. Unlikely he returns to the Bears next season.
- Dominique Robinson looked promising his rookie year but has fallen out of favor this season, being a healthy scratch recently. Only has 0.5 sacks and 3 tackles in 2023. Also may not be back.
- Bears have 2 picks in 1st round of 2024 draft and will likely target receivers and pass rushers, possibly finding replacements for Mooney and Robinson.
- Offense has struggled to involve Mooney but acquisition of DJ Moore and Cole Kmet being top targets have limited his opportunities.
- Both Mooney and Robinson were drafted by previous GM Ryan Pace so current GM Ryan Poles has no attachment to them.
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Hey there, fellow Bears Fans!
The 2023 season has been another disappointing one for Bears fans, as the team sits at 3-10 and is unlikely to make the playoffs. Two players who have failed to meet expectations this year are wide receiver Darnell Mooney and outside linebacker Dominique Robinson, both mid-round picks in the 2020 draft under the previous regime.
Mooney Breaks Out Before Fizzling in 2023 After showing promise his first two seasons, including back-to-back 500+ yard campaigns, Mooney seemed poised for a breakout year as the Bears’ top receiving threat. However, through 13 games, Mooney has just 27 catches for 395 yards and 1 touchdown, by far the lowest production of his career.
Several factors have contributed to Mooney’s decline this season. The offseason trade for DJ Moore gave the Bears a new alpha receiver, relegating Mooney to the #2 role. Top tight end Cole Kmet has also demanded more targets. Additionally, the Bears’ continued struggles at QB with Justin Fields missing time and Trevor Siemian/Nathan Peterman starting several games has hurt the passing game as a whole.
However, Mooney has not taken advantage of his opportunities. His catch rate is a career-worst 53.7%, he is averaging just 14.6 yards per reception, and outside of a 4 catch, 82 yard performance in Week 7, he hasn’t topped 50 yards in any game. Ultimately, he has failed to emerge as a consistent intermediate and deep threat.
With his rookie contract expiring after this season, GM Ryan Poles appears ready to move on from Mooney in 2024. The Bears have extra draft capital, including two 1st round picks, and the 2024 WR class is loaded with talent. Finding a long-term running mate for Moore will likely come via the draft. At just 25 years old, Mooney may benefit from a change of scenery, but his Bears tenure seems to be coming to an end after a promising start.
Dominique Robinson Buried on Depth Chart Like Mooney, outside linebacker Dominique Robinson offered glimpses his rookie season before backsliding dramatically in year two. An intriguing project coming out of Miami (OH) thanks to his athletic profile, Robinson managed two sacks in a depth role last season.
The Bears hoped Robinson could carve out a larger role this season after declining Robert Quinn’s option, but the second-year linebacker has been a massive disappointment. Veterans like Al-Quadin Muhammad, Trevis Gipson, and offseason addition Justin Houston have handled starting duties, while trade acquisition Chase Claypool will be priority re-sign in 2024.
Buried on the depth chart, Robinson has just half a sack and three tackles while being inactive four of the past five games. At 6’5″ and almost 250 pounds with good burst, Robinson fits the physical prototype for a 4-3 defensive end / 3-4 edge rusher, but he continues to struggle translating his tools into production.
Like Mooney, Robinson has likely played his last game as a Bear. GM Ryan Poles wasn’t around for his selection and with massive resources at his disposal in April, will aim for a developmental rusher with more upside or an instant impact star. If the Bears land the #1 pick from Carolina as expected, Alabama’s elite edge rusher Will Anderson could replace Robinson immediately.
The Robinson and Mooney misses underscore how critical the 2023 offseason is for Poles to rebuild Chicago into a contender. With QB still a major question mark, hitting on premium playmakers at receiver, linebacker, and other need positions via the draft is crucial. While not outright busts, fading talents like Mooney and Robinson show why a roster overhaul was necessary.
Bear Down Bears fans! and as always… PEACE!
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