The Falcoholic
It’s not the first time since his memorable rookie season that Kyle Pitts has had a stretch of productive games. In October 2023, he found a three-game groove lining up in the slot more often and finding openings against zone coverage. The glimpses of efficiency turned into a month of genuine playmaking in October 2024. From shining in a Thursday night victory over Tampa Bay to making timely plays against Carolina and Seattle, Pitts produced 65 or more yards in four consecutive games. That exciting stretch culminated in a two-touchdown performance against Tampa Bay in another thrilling win, where both touchdowns showed his capabilities vertically and after the catch.
Pitts wouldn’t reach those heights again, as he only produced over 50 receiving yards one more time for the rest of the season. Similar to the 2023 season, he became anonymous in games. For someone with his dynamic skill set to be an afterthought is nonsensical. That said, it would be illogical to place the entire blame on the coaching staff’s questionable personnel usage and inept quarterback play for his disappointing production.
There were instances where Pitts didn’t look fully healthy getting out of his breaks on routes. The season-ending PCL and MCL injuries he suffered in 2022 affected him in 2023. When he was reportedly healthy in 2024, the former fourth overall pick didn’t seem completely engaged at times. His body language was poor after certain plays. Routes trailed off when Kirk Cousins was attempting to get him involved. While the big-play flashes provided occasional optimism, many felt it was a foregone conclusion that Pitts would never come close to the player the Falcons envisioned him to be.
Don’t write off the ultra-talented tight end just yet. After being in trade reports this past offseason, Pitts has responded by looking completely rejuvenated. There is a greater attention to detail in routes and handling blocking responsibilities. He is winning in man coverage and capitalizing on mismatches. There appears to be a functional plan to maximize his skill set with an ascending quarterback in Michael Penix Jr., who can push the ball downfield and move in the pocket when dialed in. Pitts is off to his best start since 2021, and it looks like the production will be sustainable after years of frustration.
The labels of big wide receiver and hybrid player have followed Pitts since he entered the league. Many were skeptical of his ability to function as an in-line tight end. It got to the point where Arthur Smith primarily utilized him in the slot or out wide in his final season as head coach. It’s taken time, but the dynamic tight end is being used more in-line than out wide or in the slot. Pitts has played 63 snaps as an in-line tight end compared to 40 snaps in the slot and 36 snaps out wide per Pro Football Focus.
This is notable progress for a player who needs to be utilized in...
