Atlanta Falcons need to show patience with rookie Kyle Pitts

Kyle Pitts was expected to be the Atlanta Falcons’ primary weapon this season. Paired with receiver Calvin Ridley Atlanta’s offense was expected to be one of the best in the league and give a terrible defense a chance to win.

So far nothing has gone to script this season including Kyle Pitts rookie season. You may point out the fact Pitts has amassed 709-receiving yards so far this year adding in a touchdown. However, this doesn’t tell the full story of his season.

Pitts has more than once caused Ryan turnovers running the wrong route or giving up on a play. Pitts has had flashes of being the player that Atlanta drafted. Beating tight coverage and breaking a big play off of a short pass. The problem is these moments are few and far between Pitts hasn’t had the consistent impact on the Atlanta offense many had hoped.

The Atlanta Falcons are going to have to show patience with Kyle Pitts and add in receivers that can lighten the load on the rookie

Right now when teams scheme for the Falcons there are only two players they have any fear of whatsoever, Kyle Pitts and Cordarrelle Patterson. Patterson isn’t a player many teams can stop it is nearly impossible to scheme for a player who can line up anywhere in the offense.

Patterson could spend the day at running back or receiver, or be catching passes out of the backfield. Teams never know how much time Patterson is going to get at what position making it easier for the Atlanta offense to find the right matchup and feed Patterson.

This leaves Pitts who is a bit more conventional as a pass-catcher. He is built like Julio Jones or Calvin Johnson having the perfect combination of size and speed. Teams are taking him away, however, by double covering him and forcing Ryan to make tight-window throws or air it out.

Teams know what Falcons fans do, this offensive line cannot block and any routes that are long developing aren’t going to work. Meaning this offense is forced to throw short pass after short pass to move the football.

Defenses can let a four-man rush get home against a terrible Falcons offensive line and allow their coverage to stop Pitts.  Having a corner play tight coverage below Pitts and bringing a safety behind him leaves very little time for Ryan to make a perfect throw.

While this coverage can be beaten by allowing Pitts to run a deep route and challenge the safety Atlanta doesn’t have time to let these plays develop. This combined with Pitts own mistakes is the reason for the inconsistency from the rookie.

Pitts is in an offense that already has made him the clear number one receiver. Russell Gage has been inconsistent and Tajae Sharpe has faded down the stretch after making an early impact. This is a team that is asking too much of a rookie and their quarterback.

Until Atlanta brings in more receiving talent or fixes a leaky offensive line Pitts inconsistencies are going to continue.

Kyle Pitts is well on his way to being an impact player and a star in this league. For now, however, his struggles to be consistent will continue until Atlanta makes moves to support their young tight-end and their veteran quarterback.

This off-season Atlanta’s priorities should be adding offensive line talent and receivers. If that happens Kyle Pitts will quickly become one of the best tight-ends in the league and give Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons a chance at turning their franchise around.