The Atlanta Falcons have flown beneath the radar this offseason.
They did not make the playoffs final season after beginning the 12 months on a excessive notice, however rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. appeared strong in restricted motion.
That’s why, now that he’s the starter and taking the first-team reps, there are excessive hopes for his or her offense in 2025.
Contemplating that, NFL reporter Steve Wyche made a case for one extensive receiver to have a breakthrough season.
“It’s Darnell Mooney who’s on the verge of a breakout. Mooney, who had nearly a thousand yards receiving final 12 months, he’s somebody they’re utilizing in much more alternative ways. … He’s a participant that Penix has actually struck up one thing with who might actually have an enormous season this 12 months,” Wyche mentioned.
Falcons QB Michael Penix has had a stronger offseason than we would assume. Plus, which of his receivers could be organising an enormous 2025? From the Insiders. pic.twitter.com/4GXOfWYiAE
— Steve Wyche (@wyche89) June 12, 2025
Mooney completed final season with 64 receptions for 992 yards and 5 touchdowns, regardless of Kirk Cousins’ struggles.
For years, followers and specialists have deemed Mooney as a candidate to interrupt out, however he has but to search out that degree of consistency.
Granted, he spent his first 4 seasons with the Chicago Bears and their revolving door of quarterbacks.
Now, even with Drake London and Kyle Pitts almost certainly dealing with the majority of the workload in Atlanta’s passing recreation, Mooney’s velocity and acceleration make him a perennial big-play risk.
The Falcons turned loads of heads after they took Penix at No. 8 total within the 2024 NFL Draft, particularly contemplating his historical past of accidents in school and having not too long ago signed Cousins to an enormous contract.
Now, he appears to be like able to take the reins and problem the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the NFC South title.
If Penix stays wholesome, the Falcons might deploy one of the entertaining offenses within the recreation, as they’ve younger expertise with untapped potential.
NEXT: Kirk Cousins Has Reportedly Made A Resolution About Attending Obligatory Minicamp