Bears employing receiver-by-committee approach to replace Darnell Mooney
While replacing leading receiver Darnell Mooney is a big ask, Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus believes he has the players to do so.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Eberflus admitted Chicago likely won’t make up for Mooney’s 40 receptions and 493 yards as a result of just one player but through the collective efforts of Byron Pringle, Chase Claypool, Velus Jones Jr., Equanimeous St. Brown and others.
“Obviously, Mooney is a dynamic player,” Eberflus said. “He’s had good chemistry with Justin and the rest of the quarterbacks, but I think we’ve got to [replace him] by committee. …Pringle had a nice game last week. He caught a nice touchdown pass and he blocked well in the run game. He had a couple of nice targets and it was good for him.”
In a limited role, Pringle has been targeted just seven times in four games. He’s caught five balls for 57 yards and a touchdown.
In four games since being acquired from Pittsburgh, Claypool has steadily progressed after being eased into the fold. He had 51 yards on two receptions against the Jets — his most as a Bear — and he figures to become a more featured part of the passing offense.
“[With Claypool] let’s see him get the ball in the deep part of the field,” Eberflus continued. “Obviously, we saw that last week. It was a nice catch staying in bounds (on Chicago’s first TD drive). …But yeah, [we need to see] just more of that.”
Jones Jr. wasn’t targeted last week against the Jets, and he has just five total targets all season, but Eberflus explained that his speed and explosiveness will likely earn him more playing time.
“[With Jones] it’s always about can you play fast?” Eberflus said. “…If we end up changing the play or adjusting the play at the line of scrimmage, can you adjust and do that? He’s getting better at it. That’s why he’s seeing more touches. We’re always looking to get him involved because he’s a heck of an athlete. He’s an explosive player and we want to get him involved.”
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