MINNEAPOLIS — Bears lineman Akiem Haks didn’t travel to the finale of the season, but he was following along via social media. If you’re the Bears all the wrong things, then liking.
Hicks liked tweets detailing Darnell Mooney’s thoughts on the Bears’ offensive woes. One tweet contained a quote from Mooney that said, “I don’t call plays,” and another that asked, “Why won’t YOU run the ball?”
Even more troubling was the fact that he “liked” a tweet that was sent during the game and stated that: “The Bears should lead this game comfortably. They are now losing.
Hicks’ time with the Bears will be over. Hicks has been openly discussing the possibility of a contract extension from the Bears after his season ended.
Hicks’ time in Chicago ended in a terrible way. According to The Athletic, Hicks had a dispute with Chris Rumph, the position coach. Hicks was unable to attend Halas Hall as a result. It is unclear whether he left on his own or if the Bears sent Hicks home.
According to the Bears, Hicks didn’t practice this week due to the same ankle injury that he suffered against the Steelers on Nov. 8.
Coach Matt Nagy was unusually terse on Friday when asked about Hicks’ contributions.
Mooney celebrates a milestone
Mooney did not set out to exceed 1,000 yards receiving this season. He wanted more.
He said, “At the start of the season I wanted to be dominating,” “[Sunday wasn’t] as dominant as I wanted it to be. Many of the men congratulated my success. It’s something that receivers have told me is a huge accomplishment, so I take credit, but it’s not the biggest. “I definitely have more than 1,000 yards to show.”
Mooney reached quadruple digits during the second quarter to make it a career game. Mooney had 12 catches of 126 yards, both career highs. He also finished with 81 catches totalling 1,055 yards.
Mooney was asked by a reporter how much he would help quarterback Justin Fields during the offseason. Mooney’s answer was a lot starting Monday.
He said, “We’ll have our exit meetings and then we’re off for Florida.”
Fields should ensure he is healthy before he leaves. Fields tested positive for coronavirus last Wednesday.
Set a schedule
The Bears finished third in NFC North. Their 2022 schedule was established.
They will host the 49ers Bills, Dolphins Eagles, Texans, Texans, Texans, and Bills in addition to six division games. After playing nine road games this year, they will host nine home games next season.
They will travel to play the Cowboys Falcons Patriots Giants, Giants, Giants, and Jets.
That and this
Robert Quinn, outside linebacker, had a half-sack Sunday. This set the Bears single-season record of 18 1/2
* Allen Robinson, receiver, had a disappointing season that ended with just two catches for 22 yard. After being issued the franchise tag, he caught 38 passes for 410 yards in 12 games.
