Falcons Darnell Mooney
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ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 22: Darnell Mooney #1 of the Atlanta Falcons carries the ball after his reception and is tackled by Jason Pinnock #27 of the New York Giants during the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 22, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The Atlanta Falcons enter week one of the NFL season with plenty of energy, but also with a question mark.
Wide receiver Darnell Mooney was listed on the Falcons’ injury report as “limited”, just days before the Falcons home opener.
Falcons’ Head Coach Raheem Morris has labeled Mooney as “day to day.”
Mooney missed most of training camp and every pre-season snap.
The Falcons now face the potential to be without Mooney, one of their most explosive offensive weapons.
That is not the way Atlanta would like to kick off a season, especially one where expectations sit higher than they have in recent memory.
Offense Hinges On Weapons Around Penix
Atlanta Falcons QB Penix and WR Mooney
GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – DECEMBER 22: Michael Penix Jr. #9 and Darnell Mooney #1 of the Atlanta Falcons run off of the field during the fourth quarter against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 22, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The status of wide receiver Darnell Mooney has a reaching impact on the rest of the offense, and one player who may feel it the most is quarterback Michael Penix.
The Falcons drafted Penix to turn potential into points.
He owns the arm talent, but no quarterback can thrive without the right tools.
Without Mooney in the lineup, the offense shifts, and defenses will be able to load up on TE Kyle Pitts and WR Drake London.
In other words, the field shrinks.
Penix may feel more pressure to force throws into tight coverage.
In addition, starting right tackle Kaleb McGary is out for the season. Which shrinks the margins further for the Falcons’ offense.
The Falcons are sure to face defensive pressure from a pesky Bucs’ front seven and the Falcons will need to find an answer.
If Mooney is unable to suit up for Atlanta, Offensive Coordinator Zac Robinson will need to adjust his game plan.
Mooney has a vertical threat and versatility that makes him a dangerous threat.
This will be hard for the Falcons to replace.
That’s why the “day to day” tag feels heavy with an important week one matchup on deck.
Why Week 1 Matters For Falcons
GettyRaheem Morris outlines a bold rookie-first vision
The Falcons finished last year’s campaign with an 8-9 record, narrowly missing the playoffs and continuing their seven-year playoff drought.
This season, the Falcons are in a position to build off the good from last year and finally challenge the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the NFC South title.
Beating the Bucs on Sunday could go a long way in setting the tone for the Falcons season.
Losing at home could have the opposite effect.
The Falcons would be in catch-up mode right away, with a loss to their number one opposition in the division.
That’s why Mooney’s health matters beyond just Sunday.
Penix needs rhythm, confidence and his full arsenal of weapons around him.
Without Mooney, the offensive pressure tilts that much more for a team needing a hot start to the season.
HC Raheem Morris will continue to monitor Mooney’s status as Sunday approaches.
Ultimately, Sunday will reveal the truth.
The outcome of Mooney’s health could decide more than just one game for the Falcons.
There is a lot riding on the Falcons this season.
With a quarterback, a coach and an arsenal of offensive weapons hoping to not only chase the NFC South, but win it.