Kyle Pitts Shines Despite Falcons’ Struggles Against 49ers
The Atlanta Falcons entered their matchup against the San Francisco 49ers with optimism, buoyed by a solid 24-14 victory over the Buffalo Bills the previous week. However, the Falcons’ offense faced a harsh reality check as they managed a mere ten points, resulting in a significant defeat against the 49ers.
Pitts Emerges as a Bright Spot
In the midst of the offensive woes, tight end Kyle Pitts delivered a standout performance, earning a commendable 76.5 grade from Pro Football Focus. He led the team with seven receptions and contributed 62 receiving yards, showcasing his ability to make crucial plays when needed. One notable moment was a 20-yard catch that was unfortunately nullified due to a holding penalty on right tackle Elijah Wilkinson.
Pitts’ performance is a reminder of the talent he possesses, proving to be a reliable target for quarterback Michael Penix Jr.
Offensive Line Struggles
While Pitts shone, the rest of the offense faltered. The Falcons’ offensive line delivered its poorest performance of the season, with three of the five linemen receiving grades below 61. Left tackle Jake Matthews, the “iron man” of the squad, continued to demonstrate his prowess with a game-high 87.4 pass-blocking grade, marking his 184th consecutive start. Center Ryan Neuzil followed closely with an impressive 84.9 score.
However, the right side of the line struggled significantly, with Lindstrom allowing six pressures and Wilkinson giving up four pressures and two sacks. This lack of protection hindered Penix’s ability to execute plays effectively, resulting in a frustrating night for the offense.
Bijan Robinson’s Underwhelming Day
Star running back Bijan Robinson faced a tough outing, falling short of 100 total yards for the first time this season. He managed just 40 rushing yards on 2.9 yards per carry but salvaged his day with a touchdown on a screen pass. Despite the lack of yardage, Robinson’s ability to find the end zone for the second consecutive week remains a silver lining.
Wide receiver Casey Washington contributed with a pivotal 17-yard catch that helped convert a critical third down, but overall, the receiving corps struggled, with both David Sills and KhaDeral Hodge combining for zero yards.
Defensive Highlights Amidst Challenges
On the defensive side, the Falcons did well to limit the 49ers’ scoring opportunities but struggled against running back Christian McCaffrey, who broke through for over 100 rushing yards. Defensive tackle Sam Roberts emerged as the highest-graded defender for Atlanta with a score of 72.6, showcasing his impact with a sack and a quarterback hit.
Despite this, the Falcons’ defense saw mixed results. Linebacker Kaden Elliss stood out with an interception and several impactful tackles, although he was targeted frequently and surrendered multiple receptions. Conversely, outside linebacker DeAngelo Malone and linebacker Divine Deablo recorded some of the lowest grades on the team, with Malone managing only one tackle.
Injuries Compound Issues
The injury to Divine Deablo, who exited early with a forearm issue, further complicated matters for the Falcons. His absence was felt as Atlanta struggled to contain McCaffrey effectively. The defensive line, bolstered by the return of Ta’Quon Graham from injured reserve, found itself overwhelmed as the 49ers consistently moved the ball.
Overall Assessment
While Kyle Pitts’ performance stands out amidst the Falcons’ offensive struggles, the team will need to regroup and address its issues across the board. With the offensive line’s lack of protection and the running game showing signs of vulnerability, the Falcons must find answers quickly as they prepare for upcoming challenges. The hope remains that the flashes of brilliance from players like Pitts can spark a turnaround in the weeks ahead.
