The Atlanta Falcons have flown under the radar this offseason.
They failed to make the playoffs last season after starting the year on a high note, but rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. looked solid in limited action.
That’s why, now that he’s the starter and taking the first-team reps, there are high hopes for their offense in 2025.
Considering that, NFL reporter Steve Wyche made a case for one wide receiver to have a breakthrough season.
“It’s Darnell Mooney who is on the verge of a breakout. Mooney, who had almost a thousand yards receiving last year, he’s someone they’re using in a lot more different ways. … He is a player that Penix has really struck up something with who could really have a big season this year,” Wyche said.
Falcons QB Michael Penix has had a stronger offseason than we might think. Plus, which of his receivers might be setting up a big 2025? From the Insiders. pic.twitter.com/4GXOfWYiAE
— Steve Wyche (@wyche89) June 12, 2025
Mooney finished last season with 64 receptions for 992 yards and five touchdowns, despite Kirk Cousins’ struggles.
For years, fans and experts have deemed Mooney as a candidate to break out, but he has yet to find that level of consistency.
Granted, he spent his first four seasons with the Chicago Bears and their revolving door of quarterbacks.
Now, even with Drake London and Kyle Pitts most likely handling the bulk of the workload in Atlanta’s passing game, Mooney’s speed and acceleration make him a perennial big-play threat.
The Falcons turned plenty of heads when they took Penix at No. 8 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, especially considering his history of injuries in college and having recently signed Cousins to a huge contract.
Now, he looks ready to take the reins and challenge the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the NFC South title.
If Penix stays healthy, the Falcons could deploy one of the most entertaining offenses in the game, as they have young talent with untapped potential.
NEXT: Kirk Cousins Has Reportedly Made A Decision About Attending Mandatory Minicamp
