Former Falcons first-round pick entering make-or-break season

The Atlanta Falcons finally have a settled QB situation for the first time in several years as their season kicks off against the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. Second-year signal caller Michael Penix Jr., after impressing pretty much everyone in his three starts to conclude last season, is the team’s definitive starter under center. There's a different former first-rounder that desperately needs to make a statement, though.

Kyle Pitts, entering his fifth NFL season, has been frustratingly inconsistent and labeled a disappointment, or even a “bust” by many following another mediocre campaign. The immensely athletic tight end amassed over 1,000 receiving yards as a rookie, but that was in Matt Ryan’s last year as the leader of the Atlanta offense.

Injuries derailed Pitts’ second season in the league. Instability and poor performance at quarterback have hindered the former Florida Gator for three years running. The blame cannot all be directed there, however. The QB play was better for the Falcons last year, and Pitts has contributed to his own sub-par production with the occasional mental lapse and bouts of sloppy play.

Pitts was supposed to become a superstar. Instead, he has been only a little more than just another guy with the sporadic stellar catch mixed in to remind Falcons’ fans of what he’s actually capable of doing.

Kyle Pitts needs a hot start in Week 1

Pitts has a chance to change the trajectory of his career this season with Penix flinging him the football. What better time to start than Week 1?

The Buccaneers seem to be the right opponent for Pitts to get off to a hot start against.