3 Atlanta Falcons that must step up and replace Kyle Pitts

1. Drake London

Drake London’s numbers are first glance don’t jump off the page with 409-receiving yards and 4-touchdowns the rookie has put up solid numbers but they are far from eye-popping. What is important to remember when looking at London’s basic stats is the fact he is putting up this production on a run-first team with a quarterback who is rarely accurate or capable of stretching the field.

London is creating a lot of yardage after the catch and is able to be a consistent threat close to the goalline giving Mariota a reliable target. While he is set to see increased defensive attention with Pitts out he is far too talented not to consider force-feeding the football.

He is Atlanta’s best weapon in the passing game and should be featured. Whether it is running consistent slants or putting the ball in his hands on screen plays Atlanta should double his targets over the next few weeks and allow the rookie to show what he is capable of.

The problem, however, is that to accomplish this the Falcons must rely on Mariota to consistently deliver the football. Something he has been unable to do this season even on simple short routes.

When the Falcons are forced to put the ball in the air without Pitts on the field London is the simplest answer and a player who has already deserved more touches than he has received so far in an impressive rookie season.