The Atlanta Falcons may be limping into Week 15 without Drake London, but one thing’s clear: Kyle Pitts is finally stepping into the spotlight-and the Falcons are leaning into it.
With London sidelined, Atlanta has turned to Darnell Mooney and David Sills V to soak up receiver snaps, but let’s be honest-this passing game is now running through Pitts. In the Falcons’ 37-9 loss in Week 14, Pitts hauled in six catches for a season-high 90 yards, a performance that didn’t just pad the stat sheet-it reasserted him as a focal point in this offense.
Offensive coordinator Zac Robinson isn’t hiding it either. He’s made it clear that Pitts is now the team’s top target, saying the fourth-year tight end has made “huge strides” from last season and is “our No. 1 guy that we’re targeting.” That’s a notable shift in tone, especially considering how uncertain Pitts’ future in Atlanta looked just a few weeks ago.
Let’s not forget: Pitts burst onto the scene as a rookie with sky-high expectations after being drafted fourth overall. But injuries, inconsistent quarterback play, and a revolving door of offensive coordinators have all played a role in keeping him from reaching that next level-until now. This season, he’s starting to show signs of the player Atlanta hoped they were getting back in 2021.
And while he’s currently listed as questionable for Thursday night with a knee issue, if he suits up, he’s poised for another big night against a Buccaneers defense that has had its share of struggles containing athletic tight ends.
Now, it’s important to note that Pitts’ emergence doesn’t mean London is being forgotten. Head coach Raheem Morris said the team is aiming for London to return in Week 16 against the Cardinals, but with the Falcons out of playoff contention, there’s a real chance they play it safe and shut him down for the year. After all, London is a foundational piece for this franchise, and there’s a massive contract extension looming in the offseason.
Still, the fact that Pitts is taking over as the top target-at least for now-is a positive development for an offense that’s been searching for rhythm all season. He’s clearly more dynamic than the current fill-ins at wide receiver, and while there are still some issues with drops here and there, his route-running and ability to create mismatches are finally being utilized the way fans have been hoping to see.
The big-picture question for Atlanta is how to build around both London and Pitts moving forward. General manager Terry Fontenot has work to do, but if both of these young playmakers are healthy and producing, the Falcons have a legitimate foundation for a dangerous passing attack-especially if they can solidify the quarterback position.
For now, though, Pitts is the guy. And in a season that’s offered more frustration than excitement for Falcons fans, his resurgence is a much-needed bright spot.