The Falcoholic
A definitive road win must always be cherished during the first month of the season, considering how teams are integrating new players into their lineup and implementing schematic changes. No matter how significant the talent discrepancy looks on paper, games can be surprisingly competitive. The Falcons were underdogs going into Minnesota, as they were facing a 14-win team from the previous season led by two exceptional coaches on both sides of the ball.
Raheem Morris’ group wasn’t fazed by the raucous crowd forcing them into committing pre-snap penalties and taking timeouts. They made the necessary adjustments to soundly outplay one of the most well-rounded teams in the league in a hostile environment.
This is a massive win for a team that must start beating opponents in the upper echelon. The Falcons fell short too often against playoff teams last season. Tre’Shon Diaz, Dave Choate, and Aaron Freeman join me to analyze the biggest standouts and talking points after two games. If this is your first time reading a roundtable, the previous edition was published in August.
Tre’Shon Diaz: I have been a Pitts believer through the ups and downs, and it feels like he’s finally taken that step as a professional many have been waiting for. The energy is different; it’s hard to explain, but it’s an eye test more than anything. Pitts is moving with all the confidence in the world. His golfing buddy (Michael Penix Jr.) trusts that he’s going to do his job; Pitts’ team leading 11 receptions (tied with Drake London) is proof of that.
There haven’t been gaudy splash plays, but that goes for everyone outside of Bijan, and that’s not what Pitts needed to work on coming into 2025. His effort as a blocker is consistent; he isn’t making mental mistakes or quitting on plays, it’s the most locked in he’s appeared since Matt Ryan was his quarterback. His current approach to the game is why he will be a difference-maker this season.
Dave Choate: Yes and no. The upper limit of what Kyle Pitts can offer this offense, with so many mouths to feed, is probably a couple of 100-yard games, steady production in between, and improved blocking, which is plenty valuable. Do I think he can absolutely annihilate a couple of teams that aren’t equipped to deal with him? Absolutely. Will he overtake London, Darnell Mooney, and Bijan Robinson in terms of volume and consistency of impact? No, and that does cap his upside a bit. I don’t think he’s going to necessarily be a 1,000 yard guy this year.
But forget a nice round number: I have felt more confident in Pitts this season already. His catch rate is up, he’s looking savvier on his routes thus far, the blocking looks more refined and less flailing, and he’s proving to be an excellent intermediate option in the early going after being...
