Atlanta Falcons TE Kyle Pitts Showing Signs Of Becoming Elite (I Know, I Know, But Hear Me Out)

When the Atlanta Falcons selected Kyle Pitts with the fourth overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the expectations were astronomical. He wasn’t just a tight end; he was a “unicorn,” a matchup nightmare with the size of a lineman and the speed of a wide receiver. After a phenomenal rookie season where he surpassed 1,000 receiving yards, the hype seemed justified. However, the following years were marked by injuries, inconsistent quarterback play, and frustratingly quiet games, leaving fans and analysts to wonder if he would ever live up to his generational talent.

Now, early in the new season, the narrative is beginning to shift. Through a combination of improved health, a new offensive scheme, and a budding connection with quarterback Michael Penix Jr., the signs of a Kyle Pitts Falcons resurgence are becoming too clear to ignore. He looks rejuvenated, more engaged, and is starting to flash the dominant form that made him such a coveted prospect.

Atlanta Falcons Kyle Pitts: From Afterthought to Focal Point

One of the most significant criticisms of the Falcons’ previous offensive schemes was the baffling underutilization of Kyle Pitts. Despite his dynamic skill set, he would often disappear from the game plan for entire contests. The reasons were complex, ranging from his recovery from a significant PCL and MCL injury in 2022 to questionable play-calling and a revolving door of quarterbacks who struggled to get him the ball. There were even moments where Pitts’ own body language and engagement were questioned.

This season, there appears to be a concerted effort to reverse that trend. Offensive coordinator Zac Robinson is finding creative ways to get Pitts involved, and it starts with a more versatile approach to his alignment. While the “hybrid” label has always followed him, Pitts is now being used more effectively as a traditional in-line tight end. This is a crucial development. By playing more snaps attached to the line, the Atlanta Falcons’ offense becomes less predictable. Defenses can no longer assume a pass is coming just because Pitts is on the field.

This confidence in using him as an in-line player is paying off. In the recent game against Washington, the Falcons schemed up a beautiful red-zone touchdown by using Pitts like a classic tight end. After initially engaging in a block, he leaked out into the flat on a play-action call, finding himself wide open for an easy score. This wasn’t just a well-designed play; it was a philosophical statement. The coaching staff is now trusting Pitts to handle blocking assignments, which in turn opens up the playbook and allows him to be a weapon from any spot on the field, not just when split out wide or in the slot.

A New Level of Aggression and Refinement

Beyond the Xs and Os, the most noticeable change in Pitts’ game is his renewed physicality and attention to detail. The tentativeness that sometimes plagued his play post-injury seems to have vanished, replaced by a fierce, competitive edge.

This newfound aggression is showing up after the catch. Against Tampa Bay, he turned a simple flat route into a 12-yard gain by delivering a vicious stiff arm to a defender, setting a physical tone. It’s also evident in his route-running. Against the Minnesota Vikings’ chaotic defense, he shook a defensive back at the line of scrimmage with a nasty release for a quick 14-yard gain. These plays demonstrate a player who is confident in his abilities and is actively seeking to impose his will on defenders.

Perhaps the most significant area of improvement has been his performance in contested situations. Despite his large frame, making tough catches through contact was a surprising weakness in his game. This season, he is fighting through hand-fighting and high-pointing the football with more authority. On a crucial third-down catch against Washington, he absorbed contact from a defender who was flagged for pass interference and still secured the reception. These are the plays that build trust with a quarterback and turn a good player into a great one.

Furthermore, the mental lapses have disappeared. After being charged with four drops last season, Pitts has been sure-handed, demonstrating improved concentration and solidifying his role as the team’s most reliable pass-catcher through the early part of the season.

The Quarterback Connection

No offensive weapon can thrive without a quarterback capable of getting them the ball, and the arrival of Michael Penix Jr. cannot be overstated as a factor in Pitts’ resurgence. For the first time since his rookie year with Matt Ryan, Pitts is playing with a quarterback who possesses the arm talent and willingness to push the ball downfield and challenge tight windows.

The chemistry between the two was evident even in the preseason, with Penix Jr. stating his intention to get Pitts heavily involved. While there have been some missed opportunities as the young quarterback continues to develop—including a potential 30-yard touchdown where a rattled Penix Jr. didn’t see a wide-open Pitts down the seam—the intent is clear. The offense is actively looking to create and exploit the mismatches that Pitts presents.

As Penix Jr. grows more comfortable in the offense, the connection is only expected to strengthen. Pitts’ ability to stretch the field vertically is a perfect match for Penix Jr.’s deep-ball prowess. The explosive plays that have been missing from Pitts’ game for the past two seasons are bound to return as these two continue to build their rapport.

The Path to Dominance

After years of frustration, the stars are finally aligning for Kyle Pitts. He has put the lingering effects of his knee injury behind him, he is playing with a renewed sense of urgency and physicality, and he is finally paired with a quarterback and an offensive coordinator who are committed to maximizing his unique talents.

The trade rumors that swirled during the offseason seem like a distant memory. Pitts has responded to the noise by dedicating himself to becoming a more complete tight end, improving both his blocking and his ability to win in one-on-one matchups. The result is the most confident and effective version of Kyle Pitts we have seen since his rookie campaign.

The mystery that has surrounded one of the league’s biggest enigmas is beginning to fade. While it’s still early, the Kyle Pitts Falcons resurgence is no longer just a hopeful projection; it’s a developing reality. If he continues on this trajectory, he will not only re-establish himself as one of the premier offensive weapons in the NFL but will finally fulfill the promise of becoming the dominant, game-changing force the Falcons drafted him to be.