4 Things the Falcons learned from Mariota’s performance in week one
By Nick Halden
3. Marcus Mariota and Kyle Pitts aren’t on the same page
Kyle Pitts and Marcus Mariota might be reading different books completely considering how difficult a time the two had connecting on Sunday. Pitts finished the game with 2-catches for 19-yards in a game it was hard to remember he was on the field. A large part of the problem on Sunday was the Saints coverage that left Kyle open very few times. Mariota threw the ball to the open receiver and that wasn’t Pitts.
If Pitts and Mariota cannot quickly get on the same page this is going to be a very long season for the Atlanta passing attack. Kyle is Atlanta’s best weapon and a game wrecker who is going to give the team a chance to win games they have no business being in.
While the majority of the responsibility should fall on Kyle Pitts for a poor week one performance Mariota is going to have to learn to force the ball to Pitts. Even when it appears Pitts is covered simply throwing the ball up for the tight end will often result in a big play for Atlanta. Mariota refusing to force the ball to Atlanta’s best receiver shows he needs continued reps to grow comfortable with Pitts.