Is Kyle Pitts playing today? Why Falcons TE is off to bad start vs. Colts in Week 10

Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts had been touted as a potential game-changer for the team ever since he was drafted fourth overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. Standing at 6’6″ and 245 pounds, Pitts possessed a unique combination of size, speed, and athleticism that had scouts and analysts drooling over his potential. Many believed that he could be the next big thing in the NFL, a player who could revolutionize the tight end position and help lead the Falcons to success.

However, as the Falcons took the field against the Indianapolis Colts in Germany for their Week 10 matchup, Pitts was struggling to make an impact. In the early stages of the game, it was clear that something was off with the rookie tight end. He seemed to be out of sync with quarterback Matt Ryan, dropping passes and running imprecise routes. The Colts defense was also keying in on him, double-teaming him and making it difficult for him to get open.

As the game progressed, it became increasingly apparent that Pitts was having a rough day. He was unable to get open against the tight coverage of the Colts defenders, and when he did manage to catch a pass, he was quickly brought down for minimal gain. His frustration was evident, as he slammed his helmet to the ground after one particularly egregious drop.

The struggles of Pitts were a cause for concern for Falcons fans, who had high hopes for the young tight end. Many had expected him to be a focal point of the offense, a player who could stretch the field and create mismatches against opposing defenses. But on this day, Pitts was unable to live up to those expectations.

Despite his difficulties, Pitts continued to battle throughout the game. He showed flashes of his potential, making a few impressive catches and displaying his trademark athleticism. But for the most part, he was unable to make a significant impact on the game.

As the final whistle blew and the Falcons suffered a disappointing loss to the Colts, the questions surrounding Pitts only grew louder. What had gone wrong for the highly-touted rookie? Was it simply a bad day at the office, or were there deeper issues at play?

One possible explanation for Pitts’ struggles could be the adjustment to the speed and physicality of the NFL. Coming from the college ranks, where he dominated as a pass-catching tight end for the University of Florida, Pitts may have underestimated the challenge of facing elite NFL defenses. The Colts, in particular, had a strong defensive unit that was able to neutralize Pitts and limit his impact on the game.

Another factor that may have contributed to Pitts’ difficulties could be the lack of chemistry between him and quarterback Matt Ryan. The two players had not had much time to develop a rapport during training camp and the preseason, as Pitts had dealt with a minor injury that kept him out of action for a portion of the offseason. This lack of familiarity may have led to miscommunications and missed opportunities between the two players.

Additionally, the Falcons’ offensive scheme may not have been conducive to maximizing Pitts’ talents. Head coach Arthur Smith had implemented a run-heavy approach that relied heavily on the ground game, which may have limited Pitts’ opportunities to showcase his skills as a pass-catcher. The play-calling also did not seem to prioritize getting the ball to Pitts, further hindering his ability to make an impact.

Despite these challenges, there is reason to believe that Pitts will bounce back from his rough start to the season. He has shown flashes of his potential in previous games, including a standout performance against the New York Jets in Week 5 where he caught nine passes for 119 yards. Pitts has the talent and work ethic to succeed in the NFL, and with time and experience, he should be able to overcome the obstacles that have hindered him thus far.

As Pitts reflects on his performance against the Colts and looks ahead to the rest of the season, he will undoubtedly be motivated to prove his doubters wrong and show why he was considered a generational talent coming out of college. With his combination of size, speed, and athleticism, Pitts has the tools to be a difference-maker for the Falcons and help lead them to success in the future.

In conclusion, Kyle Pitts may have had a rough start to the Week 10 game against the Indianapolis Colts, but it is important not to write him off based on one performance. The rookie tight end has the potential to be a star in the NFL, and with time and experience, he should be able to overcome the challenges that have plagued him thus far. Falcons fans can look forward to watching Pitts develop and grow into the player they believed he could be when he was drafted fourth overall.

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Source: Sporting News