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Chicago Bears: 5 Players critical to defeating Saints in Wild Card Round

By Carlos Nazario

Nov 1, 2020; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears running back David Montgomery (32) rushes the ball against the New Orleans Saints during the fourth quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2020; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears running back David Montgomery (32) rushes the ball against the New Orleans Saints during the fourth quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Chicago Bears key player No. 2: Allen Robinson, WR

For some reason, Allen Robinson was not targeted much in the offense last week. It was a big game but they didn’t turn to their big receiver. He didn’t receive his first target until there were just 11 seconds left in the first half. He ultimately ended up with just two catches for 37 yards.

That cannot happen again this week.

Robinson finished the season with 102 catches for 1,250 yards and six touchdowns. For the season, he received 146 targets or about 26 percent of the total targets. Next up on that list was rookie Darnell Mooney, who had 85 targets or about 15 percent.

For the offense to succeed, Robinson has to be involved. I’m not saying he should get all the targets. With Mooney’s progression this season, he and Robinson can make a great combination (I hope the Chicago Bears keep this in mind when they make a decision on Robinson and a new contract).

Robinson does a great job of running routes and making big catches. He just keeps the chains moving. Of his 102 catches, 68 of them resulted in first downs (67 percent). Trubisky has to find him much as he has throughout the season.

At the time I’m writing this, Mooney’s status for the game is still uncertain. Last week, he had a great game, catching 13 passes for 93 yards, but suffered an ankle injury. There is no word on how serious the injury is. If he cannot go, expect Anthony Miller to receive more targets, but he’s lost the confidence of the coaches and the quarterback as the season progressed.

That means Robinson is even a bigger key for the game. If he can continue to play the same way he has throughout the season, the Bears have a shot. Remember, he’s also playing for a new contract. Whether that is for the Bears or another team is the question. In his sole playoff appearance two years ago, he had 10 catches for 143 yards and a touchdown. Also, half of his catches moved the chains. If he does that again, someone will reward him handsomely.

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