Kyle Pitts Shines in Falcons’ Offense Amidst Turbulence
The Atlanta Falcons faced significant challenges on Sunday, succumbing to a 24-point loss against the Miami Dolphins. Yet, amid the turmoil, tight end Kyle Pitts emerged as a beacon of hope for a struggling offense.
A Resilient Performance
Pitts has been quietly but decisively stepping up during a critical time for the Falcons, showcasing one of his most efficient stretches since joining the team. Head coach Raheem Morris highlighted Pitts’ contributions, stating, “Just execution and doing the right things. Coming up with some big moments, some big catches, blocking really well. He’s playing at an extremely high level. I’m proud of him.”
In celebration of Tight Ends Day, Pitts led the Falcons in receiving, successfully catching all nine of his targets for a total of 59 yards. This impressive performance came on the heels of a strong outing against the San Francisco 49ers, where he caught seven of ten targets for 62 yards.
Finding His Role
Pitts has carved out a crucial role in the Falcons’ offense, particularly as injuries have plagued the receiving corps. Notably, 38 of his 49 targets have come from within ten air yards, allowing him to achieve a remarkable catch rate of 83%. His ability to gain separation has also improved, making him a consistent threat in the passing game. When running intermediate routes (10-19 air yards), he has excelled, catching six of eight targets for 113 yards.
“Just keep being an answer to this offense,” Pitts said regarding his expanding role this season. “Just trying to do what they ask me to do and try to be a competitor.” His determination and performance have become increasingly vital to the Falcons, especially given the ongoing struggles of the receiver group.
Stepping Up Amid Injuries
The Falcons have faced considerable setbacks with injuries impacting key players. Ray-Ray McCloud was released last week, while Darnell Mooney has been sidelined for an extended period. Additionally, Drake London missed the recent game due to a hip injury. With defenses focusing heavily on Bijan Robinson out of the backfield, Pitts has seized the opportunity to elevate his game and take on greater responsibility.
So far this season, Pitts leads the team with 39 receptions and ranks third in both receiving yards (344) and touchdowns (one). While these numbers may not seem overwhelming, they position him for his best statistical season since his rookie year in 2021. Among tight ends in the NFL, Pitts currently stands eighth in receiving yards and third in receptions.
Improving All-Around Play
Critics have often pointed to Pitts’ blocking ability as a point of concern; however, this season has seen marked improvement in that area as well. According to Pro Football Focus, his run-blocking grade is the highest of his NFL career, showcasing his evolution as a well-rounded player.
As Pitts enters the final year of his rookie contract, he has become a consistent and reliable presence within the Falcons’ offense. His performance not only underscores his talent but also highlights the potential for greater contributions as the season unfolds.
