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The Atlanta Falcons are searching for offensive consistency after dropping their fifth consecutive game in Week 11. Wide receiver Darnell Mooney has become a central concern, prompting head coach Raheem Morris to address the situation with directness about what needs to change moving forward.
The organization believes a shift is coming. With Drake London sidelined by injury, offensive coordinator Zac Robinson recently outlined expectations for Mooney’s involvement in the coming weeks and expressed confidence in his potential impact.
“At some point here, Mooney will get a high amount of targets and he’ll start taking off,” Robinson said of Mooney.
Falcons OC Zac Robinson on Darnell Mooney:
"At some point here, Mooney will get a high amount of targets and he'll start taking off." pic.twitter.com/PYFn9lyNqM
— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) November 19, 2025
Mooney’s 2024 output included 64 receptions for 992 yards and five touchdowns, a baseline that has proven difficult to approach this season. His 2025 campaign has been complicated by injuries, drops, and inconsistent timing with second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr.
These factors have prevented him from operating as the deep threat Atlanta envisioned when constructing the offense. The Falcons’ broader struggles extend beyond Mooney’s individual performance.
Schematic limitations and quarterback adjustments have reduced passing efficiency across the board. Even with Bijan Robinson and London available earlier in the season, the team has failed to consistently exceed 20 points per game.
Mooney is only now being utilized as a primary target option after weeks of limited involvement. Through eight games, Mooney has recorded 16 receptions for 224 yards on 42 targets, averaging 14 yards per catch with no touchdowns.
His usage increased in Week 11 when he received seven targets, converting three into 34 yards. That uptick suggests Robinson’s confidence may translate into additional opportunities.
Whether elevated target volume produces the offensive breakthrough Atlanta desperately needs remains unclear. The Falcons face mounting pressure to reverse their downward trajectory before the season slips further away.
NEXT: Key Falcons Player Will Have Season-Ending ACL Surgery