Atlanta Falcons: Kyle Pitts lost for the season in disappointing year two

Kyle Pitts’ second season with the Atlanta Falcons is officially over after the tight-end had season-ending surgery after taking a low late hit against the Chicago Bears. Pitts will finish his second season with 356-receiving yards and 2-touchdowns.

It was a huge letdown for Pitts after a record-setting rookie season. While the numbers are far from impressive they won’t tell the full story of Kyle’s season. Pitts was often overthrown by Mariota when he was open or even more often as part of a blocking scheme for Mariota or one of Atlanta’s running backs. This season Pitts was unselfish in doing what was asked of him even though it clearly wasn’t fully utilizing his immense talent.

This lost season can be remembered for what it was Mariota’s poor quarterback play that cost Pitts and Kyle’s willingness to become a blocking tight end.

While there should be some frustration in the way Pitts was utilized and Arthur Smith’s failure to give Ridder a chance to build chemistry with Pitts, there should also be an understanding that this was always a lost season for the Falcons.

Atlanta is in the playoff hunt due to Arthur Smith’s coaching and the division’s absolute ineptitude. Dealing with a record-setting cap hit the Falcons are in a year that is focused on resetting the franchise.

Pitts isn’t expected to head into next season with any limitations and will hopefully be able to build chemistry with Desmond Ridder in the off-season. With a massive amount of cap space opening up and a year to develop their young roster next season is the year Kyle Pitts will be needed the most with Atlanta assumable transitioning to who they believe to be their next franchise quarterback and bringing in a wave of new talent to attempt to make a playoff push.