The Falcons’ offensive struggles have been well documented, with many factors to point to as catalysts for Atlanta’s underwhelming performances on that side of the ball.
Kirk Cousins hasn’t thrown a touchdown in a month, a stretch that includes six interceptions and four fumbles, leading to a three-game losing streak. Kyle Pitts has been held to just five catches over that span, including a zero-catch outing against the Chargers and a one-catch effort against the Broncos.
The highest-drafted tight end in NFL history has certainly not had the kind of season that he or any Falcons fan imagined. It’s sparked ‘bust’ conversations, and they won’t slow until Pitts starts producing.
But what is contributing to his lack of production? Fox 5’s Miles Garrett asked, and Pitts attributes it to simply “the ball going elsewhere” in the offense,
VIDEO: Spoke to #Falcons TE Kyle Pitts this afternoon at practice about recent struggles on the offensive side.
Pitts has been limited to just 6 catches in his last three games. pic.twitter.com/5UHHLB523c
— Miles Garrett (@MilesGarrettTV) December 5, 2024
Since Week 8, Kyle Pitts has only recorded six catches for 75 yards, a stat line many believed would be a weekly occurrence when the Falcons drafted him fourth overall. He was only targeted twice last Sunday against the Chargers, one of which has gone viral for his apparent lack of effort.
But I want to take a different approach to this conversation. Yes, Pitts is probably not free of blame in this situation, but he’s certainly not alone. Kirk Cousins and Zac Robinson deserve their fair share of criticism as well.
Cousins missing Pitts, whether it be a timing issue or just not looking his way at all, is inexcusable, but it pales in comparison to his role and usage in the offense, which falls on Robinson.
The first-time play caller has shown flashes of brilliance and deserves more time to prove he’s the right man for the job. However, Robinson has issues, including not making Kyle Pitts a focal point of the offense. I don’t know if it’s a lack of trust or a lack of creativity, but there’s a major issue.
While Kyle Pitts deserves a share of the blame, let’s not pretend this isn’t a more complex issue. Kirk Cousins and Zac Robinson need to get the highest-drafted tight end in the NFL history the ball more often.
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Photographer: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire
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