If Robinson can't go, Bears will need big performance from Mooney

Bears rookie receiver Darnell Mooney has established himself as the No. 2 receiver behind Allen Robinson.

Come Sunday, Mooney might have to be the No. 1.

Robinson remains in concussion protocol this week following a hit to the helmet late in Monday night's loss to the Los Angeles Rams. If Robinson, who has not practiced all week, is unable to play Sunday against the New Orleans Saints, someone will have to step up as the top receiver.

Mooney is a perfect candidate.

"There's nothing to have a conversation much about," Mooney said. "Whenever my number's called, no matter if it doesn't get called or it gets called one time a game, I just have to be ready and continue to try to put some points on the board."

Mooney saw a team-high seven targets Monday night, more than even Robinson and tight end Jimmy Graham. A number of those targets were uncatchable, and one was intercepted by the Rams, but Mooney caught three passes for 40 yards.

Mooney, a fifth-round draft pick in the spring, established himself as an NFL receiver from Week 1. He caught three passes in his debut and caught his first touchdown a week later. Mooney's production has continued to rise since.

Meanwhile, receiver Anthony Miller's has dropped. Miller was supposed to be the No. 2 receiver this season, and for a while it looked like he was. Miller caught game-winning touchdown passes in comebacks against the Detroit Lions and the Atlanta Falcons.

Miller saw five targets Monday night, which was one more than Robinson. But as the snap counts indicate, Mooney has surpassed Miller on the depth chart. Mooney played on 81% of the Bears' offensive snaps Monday, while Miller played on 59%.

"To be honest with you, I really like where he's at," Bears receivers coach Mike Furrey said Oct. 13, following the Week 5 win over Tampa Bay. "Selfishly - obviously as his coach, and I know he would tell you this, too - I'd like for him to be more involved. But you can't control the game. Some of these games we've been in have been very weird."

Furrey said Miller, 26, has been more mature than ever, and he understands the game plan more than ever. Despite not seeing as many targets as he might like, Miller has "handled it the right way," Furrey said.

Furrey also noted that things don't always go as planned. Prior to the Week 3 game in Atlanta, Furrey thought Mooney and Miller would both have huge days based on the game plan. Instead, Robinson caught 10 passes, overshadowing Mooney and Miller, who each had two catches.

But flashing forward to the Week 7 loss to the Rams, Mooney has started to steal the spotlight from Miller.

"From the first seven games, I feel like I've been playing decent," Mooney said. "Just showing up a little bit more. Making some more explosive plays, getting a spark for our offense whenever we need one."