Kyle Pitts shines brightly, yet Falcons falter against Jets
EAST RUTHERFORD – In a contest marked by inconsistency, the Atlanta Falcons fell short on Sunday, succumbing to a New York Jets team that has struggled throughout the season. Despite the offensive unit’s challenges on third down conversions, they showcased moments of brilliance, particularly through tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. As the Falcons faced the daunting task of compensating for the absence of wide receiver Drake London, who had been pivotal in their passing attack, Pitts stepped up in a manner that would resonate with the soulful spirit of Bill Withers.
Quarterback Kirk Cousins delivered a solid performance, completing 21 of 33 passes for 234 yards and a touchdown. Crucially, Pitts contributed significantly, accounting for over a third of Cousins’ total yardage with his seven receptions for 82 yards, leading the Falcons in both categories. “Kyle is a great athlete, and he did a great job separating and using his ability today,” Cousins reflected post-game. “There’s no doubt he showed up quite a bit.” However, Cousins also recognized the missed opportunities, particularly during the final drive, which left a lingering sense of disappointment.
Missed Opportunities Haunt the Falcons
Falcons head coach Raheem Morris echoed Cousins’ sentiments, acknowledging Pitts’ contributions while lamenting the missed chances late in the game. “Kyle made some plays,” Morris stated. “Wanted to make some critical plays at the end there to give us a chance to win it.” Unfortunately for Atlanta, the final moments were marred by three consecutive incompletions, a three-and-out, and a subsequent punt that sealed their fate. The disappointing conclusion overshadowed an otherwise stellar performance from Pitts.
Despite the late misses, Pitts’ individual effort shone through. With seven catches in Week 13, five resulted in first downs, many of which were the product of his ability to gain significant yards after the catch—showcasing his athleticism and tenacity. “I’m most excited with Kyle once he catches it because I know what he’s capable of after the catch,” Cousins continued. “I just want to get him the ball, and it’s look out.”
A Promising Return for Pitts
After a promising start to the season, Pitts had seen his production decline, averaging around 50 yards per game early on, which dipped below 30 in recent outings. However, Sunday’s performance marked a potential resurgence, reminiscent of his early-season form. The 25-year-old tight end’s future in Atlanta remains uncertain, but displays like the one in Week 13 bolster his case for a more prominent role moving forward.
If this game illustrated anything, it is that Pitts retains the potential the Falcons envisioned when they drafted him. Whether he blossoms in Atlanta or elsewhere, performances like this serve as a reminder to the league of why he remains one of the NFL’s most captivating young talents. The Falcons may be grappling with their identity, but with players like Pitts, hope remains on the horizon.
