The Atlanta Falcons made the decision to appoint Michael Penix Jr. as their starting quarterback. Poised to be an NFL star, the team has tried to surround him with talent. The roster is very skilled but one key piece might not be able to join the quarterback on Week 1.
Zach Klein, from ABC-TV reported that an NFL source stated Darnell Mooney suffered a shoulder injury and will miss most of the training camp. This can put the wide receiver in jeopardy to miss Week 1.
Mooney was expected to be a big-time player this year. Last season was his first in Atlanta and he had 992 yards and 5 touchdowns. He made an instant impact, but this second year on the team is expected to be even better as Penix will start all season, instead of adjusting between Kirk Cousins and Penix, who is left handed.
Mooney brings new dimensions to the offense
Drake London is the first option on the roster but Mooney’s skillset is very different, giving the Falcons plenty of options to explore on offense. Mooney is a much more precise route runner than London and it’s also way faster. London goes as a great option in the intermediate level and contested catches. Basically, Penix has all the options a quarterback can have as Mooney and London give him too many opportunities.
Darnell Mooney #1 of the Atlanta Falcons celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on October 03, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Mooney has an excellent release. The Falcons must be praying that Mooney’s shoulder recovers in time as Penix recently said they want to be the best offense in the NFL. For that to happen, they need Mooney.
see also
Falcons key weapon makes major statement on QB1 battle between Kirk Cousins and Michael Penix Jr.
Can the Falcons offense be the best in the NFL?
It’s always tough to be a top-tier unit in the NFL, but the confidence is there, and the roster is not shy of talent. If you take a closer look to it, the Falcons have a deep, skilled offense that could be on the upper echelon of the league.
- Michael Penix Jr. – Quarterback
- Bijan Robinson – Running back
- Tyler Allgeier – Running back
- Drake London – Wide Receiver
- Darnell Mooney – Wide Receiver
- Ray-Ray McCloud III – Wide Receiver
- Kyle Pitts – Tight End
The talent is there, now it’s up to the players and offensive coordinator Zac Robinson to make the plays on the field.
