Darnell Mooney concluded his first season with the Atlanta Falcons in 2024 with 992 receiving yards and five touchdowns, just shy of the 1,000-yard milestone. Despite missing this statistical mark, Mooney emphasized that his primary objective revolves around team success rather than personal numbers.
Addressing his goals, Mooney told D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution,
“I didn’t really come here for 1,000 yards,”
and continued,
“I came here to win. 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.”
Season performance and team challenges
Throughout the 2024 campaign, Mooney secured 64 receptions, marking the second-highest total of his five-year career. He ranked second in receiving yards on the Falcons behind teammate Drake London, who had a breakout year with 1,271 yards. The Falcons ended the season with an 8-9 record, dropping six of their last eight games and extending their streak to seven consecutive seasons without a .500 or better record.
To bolster the offense, Atlanta added quarterback Kirk Cousins during the offseason on a four-year, $180 million contract, alongside signing Mooney. However, head coach Raheem Morris made a late-season decision to bench Cousins, who struggled with turnovers, including leading the NFL with 16 interceptions and tying for most fumbles at the time. Rookie Michael Penix Jr., selected eighth overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, was promoted as the starter.
Building rapport with Michael Penix Jr. and future outlook
Mooney expressed confidence in Penix’s abilities, highlighting his arm strength and timing.
“He throws the ball very, very far,”
Mooney explained.
“He has a strong arm. He can get it out whenever he needs to. Like, if it feels like he’s late, he won’t be late. He can get the ball there in time.”
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Mooney and Penix aim to deepen their connection on the field. With key contributors such as Drake London and running back Bijan Robinson returning, the Falcons are hopeful to improve their record and qualify for the playoffs for the first time since 2017.