Falcons Edge Past Saints in Close Match

In a heart-stopping finish, the Atlanta Falcons edged past the New Orleans Saints with a score of 26-24, securing their second win of the season and moving their record to 2-2. The closely contested match showcased the Falcons' resilience, but one name stood out amid the celebrations for all the wrong reasons—tight end Kyle Pitts.

Kyle Pitts' Disappointing Performance

Despite being one of the Falcons’ key offensive assets, Pitts had a rough outing, failing to register a single catch on three targets. This disappointing performance adds to an underwhelming season for the fourth-year player, who was once the fourth overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and dazzled fans with over 1,000 receiving yards in his rookie season.

Coach Morris Comments on Pitts' Involvement

When asked about Pitts' lack of involvement in the passing game, Falcons head coach Raheem Morris was candid. "You know, it's just about going out there and winning the game,” he stated. “He had a couple of targets today and unfortunately had a couple of things go against him." His comments reference a key offensive pass interference call that nullified a short gain for Pitts, as well as a missed pass interference call earlier in the season during a game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Morris' 'Stats Are for Losers' Quote

Morris' dismissal of statistical performance, saying "stats are for losers," has raised eyebrows, especially considering that many fans and analysts closely scrutinize the contributions of key players in games. While his focus on team success is admirable, statistics undeniably play a role in assessing a player's overall impact—particularly for a tight end whose effectiveness is often measured by receptions and yardage.

Need for Offensive Adjustments

Some observers speculate that Morris may be deflecting the conversation onto offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, highlighting the need to find creative ways to get Pitts more involved. Despite his immense talent, there has been a consistent issue with Pitts getting open—an ongoing challenge that even former coach Arthur Smith struggled to resolve.

Comments from Offensive Coordinator Zac Robinson

Adding context to this situation, Robinson echoed Morris' sentiments, adding that Pitts needs to be "detail-oriented" and play faster to attract more targets: "If he puts in the work to get open, the ball is naturally going to find him."

Concerns About Pitts' Season Production

Overall, Pitts’ production this season is concerning, with a total of just eight receptions for 105 yards and one touchdown through four games. As the Falcons prepare to face the NFC South-leading Tampa Bay Buccaneers next week, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if they can unlock the potential of Kyle Pitts and maximize his contributions on the field. The stakes are high, and the next game may be critical in determining both Pitts' future and the trajectory of the Falcons' season. Will they figure out how to unleash this sleeping giant? Stay tuned!