The Atlanta Falcons aim for a better outcome in Michael Penix Jr.’s first year as the full-time starting quarterback and Raheem Morris’s second year as head coach. They hope to clinch the NFC South division for the first time since 2016 and a playoff berth since 2017. For that to happen, the Falcons’ passing offense must play lights out, as every team in the division finished in the bottom ten in passing yards allowed in 2024.
Atlanta Falcons’ underrated receiver had a solid inaugural season
Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jordan Whitehead
Oct 3, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney (1) runs against Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Jordan Whitehead (3) after a catch at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Darnell Mooney had a solid first season with Atlanta, posting the second-most receptions, targets, and yards since 2021 and the most touchdowns in his career. He hauled in 64 receptions on 106 targets for 992 yards and five touchdowns in 16 games, averaging four receptions per game, 15.5 yards per clip, and 62 yards per game. Unfortunately, Mooney failed to reach the 1,000-yard milestone because he missed the regular-season finale due to a shoulder injury.
Atlanta Falcons receiver isn’t concerned about personal achievements
Atlanta Falcons, Darnell Mooney
Dec 22, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney (1) leaves the field after the game against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
During Friday’s press conference, via D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution,Darnell Mooney was asked about him being eight yards short of the 1,000-yard milestone in 2024. He responded that he didn’t come to Atlanta to have 1,000 receiving yards. Mooney joined the Falcons to win.
“I didn’t really come here [to Atlanta] for 1,000 yards. I came here to win,” Mooney said, via Ledbetter. “So, for, you know, anybody that’s like creating that as a top tier for the receivers, that’s not what I came here to do. I came here to win games.”
The offense will feature him more in 2025
Atlanta Falcons, Darnell Mooney
Nov 3, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney (1) walks off the field after a victory over the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
“We look at Mooney as, obviously, a yards-per-catch guy, a vertical threat (and) a veteran presence that can help, I think, with each guy in their role,” WRs coach Ike Hilliard said, via the team’s website. “Considering he was a fifth-round draft pick and earned an opportunity to earn a second contract, he knows what it takes to be a pro.
“So, we’re going to lean on him a lot more than we did last year and see where that goes.”
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