Bears receiver 'out for disrespect' this coming season

Even though they had the second-worst record in the NFL during the 2022 season, things are starting to look up for the Chicago Bears. And one of their most prominent playmakers is already talking a big game ahead of the season. 

Wide receiver Darnell Mooney said this week that he is not only setting out to dominate in the fall, he is out for "disrespect" during the 2023 season.

Mooney made the comments during a recent appearance on The 33rd Team with Amon-Ra and Equanimeous St. Brown.

Via NFL.com.

"Do whatever I can do for my team," Mooney said. "I mean, ball out, of course. Dominate. Not really on the 'respect my name' anymore. I'm just going out for disrespect. I'm just disrespecting everybody now. Don't really care about respect no more. Other than that, I just want to win. Don't really care about anything else for real."

Mooney had a breakout year for the Bears in 2021, catching 81 passes for 1,055 yards. But his numbers took a step backwards in 2022, when he was limited to just 12 games and 40 catches (for only 493 yards).

He is obviously looking to erase that memory and reverse the trend.

Given the playmakers the Bears have assembled on offense tor the upcoming season, he might have a chance to do that. 

Not only does starting quarterback Justin Fields seem to be on the verge of stardom, but the Bears also had an extremely busy offseason that saw them add D.J. Moore, D'onta Foreman, Nate Davis, Travis Homer and first-round pick Darnell Wright to the offense. 

With the additions of Moore and Chase Claypool over the past year, the Bears will have more weapons for Fields to spread the ball around to in the passing game. That might decrease the number of targets a player like Mooney can get in the offense, but it also might help open things up for him more often, as those other players have to demand attention from opposing defenses.