It took the Atlanta Falcons two extra weeks to find their footing this season. Starting veteran backup quarterback Cooper Rush left the team behind the eight ball with two losses, including a divisional beating by the Carolina Panthers. Now that they seem to be righting the ship, could it be time for a Kyle Pitts breakout game tonight in New Orleans?
After two miserable weeks of fumbles, interceptions, and miscues, things turned around in Week Three at Green Bay. Michael Penix Jr.‘s return gave the Falcons a chance to compete.
His 259-yard, one-touchdown performance showed he could lead, not hinder, the offense. In doing so, superstar running back Bijan Robinson and star receiver Drake London put on a show in prime time. Robinson racked up 194 rushing yards and added 19 receiving yards; London caught 194 yards himself.
After this performance, one big question loomed over the offense: when will generational tight end Pitts get involved?
We saw this a bit last season under former offensive coordinator Zac Robinson. Whether the quarterback was Kirk Cousins or Penix Jr., the motive was clear: get the ball to Robinson or London.
Robinson used that offensive strategy to become one of the best running backs in the NFL, while London was on his way to his first 1000-yard season before suffering an injury.
That’s when Pitts finally became a factor in the offense. He replaced London as the number one receiver, going from afterthought to the offense’s mainstay and nearly reaching his second thousand-yard season.
Coming into this season, fans and national media wanted to see more of the same. They wanted to know if Pitts could perform this way along with London and not instead of London.
Unfortunately, so far in his early season, it seems that things have resorted back to what they were, but Penix Jr. and Pitts have a chance to change that tonight.
The Saints have struggled against tight ends through the first three weeks. They have allowed 25 receptions for 250 yards and two touchdowns in three games.
They had the most trouble against Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers, allowing 13 catches for 148 yards and two touchdowns.
This is an opportunity for offensive coordinator Tommy Rees to get Pitts against favorable matchups. Considering New Orleans’ injury report is full of linebackers, there should be a lot of soft spots in the middle of the field that somebody with Pitts ‘ talent should be able to take advantage of.
If the Falcons can get Pitts going tonight, it will go a long way toward beating New Orleans under the prime-time lights and will establish a weapon for the rest of the season. The league will notice that you have to contend with more than just Robinson and London.
