Kyle Pitts hasn’t been much of a factor in the Atlanta Falcons’ passing game through the opening stretch, but Monday night against the New Orleans Saints offers a clear opening for that to change.
So far, Pitts has only six targets, turning them into two catches for 20 yards. That kind of usage has left him on the margins of Atlanta’s offense, which is hard to square with his talent.
His 58.9% route share and 7.6% target share, according to FantasyPros, show just how limited the role has been. He has also managed only 0.38 yards per route run.
The Saints could make the job easier. According to Darius Hayes, New Orleans has allowed 247 receiving yards to tight ends this season, the fourth most in the NFL. That gives Atlanta a matchup it can lean into if it wants to get Pitts moving in the right direction.
But the matchup alone won’t do it. The Falcons have to actually make him part of the plan.
That could mean getting him involved early, which would help build his confidence and give the offense another dependable option as the game goes on. It could also mean moving him around the formation to create better matchups and putting him in space against defenders who may have trouble handling him.
Atlanta does not need to reinvent anything to make that happen. A few designed touches, some work over the middle and a couple chances to let Pitts create after the catch would be enough to start. The key is making him a steady presence instead of simply hoping the defense forgets about him.
Of course, none of that guarantees a breakout. A favorable opponent only matters if the Falcons commit to using him and the offense actually sustains drives.
Still, the path is there. The Saints have already shown vulnerability to tight ends, and Pitts has the ability to take advantage if Atlanta finally makes him a priority.
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