How Atlanta Falcons TE Kyle Pitts 'Took Advantage' of Opportunities vs. New York Jets
No, the Atlanta Falcons aren't playing fantasy football, as coach Arthur Smith has pointed out when criticism comes from those who do.
However, the Falcons' usage of tight end Kyle Pitts in Sunday's win over the New York Jets may have appeased the same crowd of fantasy managers previously upset with Smith over the production of other top playmakers in Atlanta.
"He was involved, we just have to continue to work through it," Smith said of Pitts performance in the 13-8 win. "I give Kyle a lot of credit, he really works extremely hard, and I’ve been saying it. ... They concentrated a lot on Drake today. There was some optimism there and then Kyle took advantage of it. Credit to Des, tried to take some shots as low as they were playing. Didn’t hit as many as we wanted to, some we got moved off the spot, but there were some critical third downs in a low scoring game that Kyle was picked on more."
Dec 3, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts (8) gains yards after catch as New York Jets safety Tony Adams (22) pursues during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium.
Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Facing a Jets defense that boasted one of the league's most disruptive defensive lines, including defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, combined with a secondary that is starred by the reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year, cornerback Sauce Gardner, nothing was going to be easy for the Falcons.
Gardner and his fellow outside cornerback D.J. Reed focused on taking away second-year receiver Drake London, one of Desmond Ridder's top targets since he earned the starting quarterback job last season, which meant the Falcons would have to beat them elsewhere.
"Elsewhere" being Pitts, who, for the first time since the Week 5 21-19 win over the Houston Texans led the Falcons in receiving. Albeit he didn't have quite the same amount of production that he did versus Houston, he did come close with 51 yards on four receptions.
However, even with the heavy usage versus the Jets, Pitts' numbers for the season still pales in comparison to his rookie season. After putting together a rookie season that lived up to his billing as the No. 4 overall NFL Draft pick, totaling over 1,000 yards, the role of Pitts has significantly dipped.
While he played in 10 games last season before a torn MCL sidelined him, he recorded just 356 yards and two touchdowns on 28 receptions. Additionally, this season, through 12 games, he has 492 yards and one touchdown on 41 receptions, which, despite not missing a game due to injury this season, has raised questions about whether he fully recovered from his knee injury a year ago.
However, even with upset fantasy football managers and constant speculation about his health, Pitts is still focused on what he can control.
"Every week, I want to get better," Pitts said. "It doesn't really matter the time or the team. When the ball comes my way, I want to make the most of it."
Pitts will look to have another big game on Sunday when the Falcons host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Kickoff inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET.
