Over the past 12 seasons, the Chicago Bears have only made the playoffs twice and only finishing in the top half of the NFC North three times. However, fourth-year wide receiver Darnell Mooney says all that is about to change in 2023.
In a conversation with Kevin Patra at NFL.com, Mooney says he’s expecting a big season from himself as well as the franchise this year. The continuity from last year to this year is going to make plenty of difference as they follow one another into the next campaign.
“Another year in the same offense, under the same regime — we understand it. We’re not just thinking about, ‘Are we doing the right things? Are we not doing the right things?’. I just know my year one to year two was a different thing, knowledge-wise,” Mooney said. “I’m not on a hype train or anything. We’re just going to win. We have to win. Nothing else but that.”
From there, Mooney shared a message to those in the Windy City. He wants them all to strap in as he says big things are coming in the win column for the Bears this season.
“Get ready to win. (We’re) tired of losing,” said Mooney. “Don’t go for any hypeness or anything like that. Just get ready to win.”
Winning hasn’t been commonplace for Chicago in some time now. Since 2011, the Bears have only posted a winning record twice (2012, 2018). During the other 10 seasons, they’ve gone .500 four times and finished with a losing record in six. That includes the past two where they’ve gone a combined 9-25 overall.
Still, even after going 3-14 in 2022, Mooney, along with many others around Chi-Town, see reason for hope with the Bears. Their core, led by QB Justin Fields, is young and ready to make a come up as early as this season, especially in a division that looks much different now with the departure of Aaron Rodgers.
Chicago will still have to sort things out in the NFC North before they can make any real statements. If they can, though, they could certainly become a team that may surprise in the NFC in ’23.
City of Pittsburgh honors Damar Hamlin with his own day
Former Pittsburgh Panthers defensive back Damar Hamlin received recognition from the city on Sunday. The day was dubbed Damar Hamlin Day in recognition of his “excellence, dedication and perseverance.”
The Buffalo Bills safety tweeted, “This one meant a lot to me, Thank you Pittsburgh,” along with a photo of the official proclamation.
As part of the July 9 festivities, Hamlin’s foundation, Chasing M’s, provided free CPR training for hundreds of attendees at PNC Park, home of the Pittsburgh Pirates.
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