Introduction

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons' decision to select Kyle Pitts with the No. 4 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft continues to haunt the team like a persistent ghost. As the franchise trudges through a rocky four-year stretch marked by an ever-rotating cast of quarterbacks, coaches, and defensive coordinators, one question remains at the forefront: what is happening with Pitts, the so-called generational talent at tight end?

Pitts' Decline Post-Ryan

In the aftermath of a nail-biting 26-24 victory over their most heated rivals, head coach Raheem Morris faced the inevitable query about Pitts' lack of involvement in the offense. Faced with this recurring spotlight, Morris appeared taken aback but should have expected the line of questioning—it’s simply part of life in Atlanta, where fans and analysts alike are desperate for answers about Pitts' dwindling statistics.

“I really believe that stats are for losers,” Morris said defensively, evading the uncomfortable truth.

The Numbers

However, let’s delve into the numbers. Pitts had a breakout rookie season, logging 68 catches and becoming only the second rookie tight end in NFL history to eclipse 1,000 receiving yards. Back when Matt Ryan was at the helm, Pitts shone brilliantly. But since Ryan's departure, and following a significant knee injury, Pitts’ output has plummeted. In the 31 games post-Ryan, his averages have been underwhelming, netting just 89 catches for 1,128 yards—about 36.4 yards per game. For contrast, Ja'Marr Chase, drafted one spot after him, excels at 82 yards per game throughout his career.

Coaching Changes

Critics have mostly laid blame for Pitts' decline on former head coach Arthur Smith; however, four games into a new system under offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, the statistics remain strikingly similar. Pitts has recorded only eight catches on 15 targets for 105 yards so far this season, which is a step back from his eleven catches on 21 targets and 121 yards by the same point last year.

“We're eager to get the ball in his hands,” Robinson stated. “He's making strides, and the more detailed he gets, the more opportunities should present themselves.”

Diminishing Role

Despite remaining on the field for a higher percentage of plays than last year, Pitts is seeing his role slowly diminish—from 96% of snaps in Week 1 to just 64.7% in Week 4. These alarming stats have led to a discouraging ranking of 80th in weekly Receiver Scores, the lowest for any qualifying tight end or wide receiver.

Quarterback's Awareness

First-year quarterback Kirk Cousins is acutely aware of Pitts' situation and has noticeably attempted to engage him more in the offense. Yet, even he admits to missed opportunities, pondering how a deep ball to Pitts could have made the difference in key plays.

Looking Ahead

As the season progresses, it remains unclear when, or if, the Falcons will figure out how to better integrate Pitts into their game strategy. The questions surrounding his production aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.

The Broader Offensive Issue

Beyond Pitts, Cousins’ egalitarian approach to passing is shedding light on a broader issue within the Falcons' offensive strategy. Promising talents like Drake London and rookie sensation Bijan Robinson are being left in the shadows. The Falcons remain mired in mediocrity, struggling to score touchdowns—currently standing 29th in the league with only five touchdowns.

Defensive Strategy

On defense, the Falcons are taking a rather conservative approach, focusing more on containment and preventing big plays rather than aggressive pass-rushing. While they rank high in stopping explosive plays, this has resulted in fewer turnovers and splash plays, leading to concerns about long-term effectiveness.

Conclusion

Overall, the one certainty in Atlanta remains: The Kyle Pitts question is here to stay, and until the Falcons' coaching staff finds a way to optimize his talent, the discussion around his underutilization will continue to reverberate through the organization and its fan base. Buckle up, Falcons fans—it’s going to be a long season.