Kyle Pitts, the Atlanta Falcons’ towering tight end, commands attention with his rare blend of size, speed, and skill. Drafted fourth overall in 2021, he entered the NFL as a generational talent, setting records as a rookie. However, his journey since then has sparked debates among fans and analysts alike. This article explores Pitts’ 2024 season stats, his career trajectory, and what lies ahead. Let’s dive into the numbers, highlights, and challenges that define his story.
The Rise of a Unicorn: Pitts’ Early Career
A Record-Breaking Rookie Season
In 2021, Pitts burst onto the NFL scene like a comet. He amassed 68 receptions for 1,026 yards, becoming only the second rookie tight end in NFL history to surpass 1,000 yards, joining Hall of Famer Mike Ditka. His single-season franchise record for receiving yards by a tight end eclipsed Tony Gonzalez’s mark. Pitts’ seven-catch, 163-yard performance against Miami in Week 7 showcased his dominance. Moreover, his Pro Bowl selection cemented his status as a rising star.
Challenges in Years Two and Three
Injuries and inconsistent quarterback play dimmed Pitts’ shine in 2022 and 2023. A torn MCL in 2022 sidelined him for seven games, limiting him to 28 receptions for 356 yards. In 2023, he played all 17 games but managed only 53 catches for 667 yards. Critics pointed to Atlanta’s run-heavy offense under coach Arthur Smith and subpar quarterback performances from Marcus Mariota and Desmond Ridder. Nevertheless, Pitts showed flashes of brilliance, fueling hope for a rebound.
Kyle Pitts’ 2024 Season: A Detailed Breakdown
Overall Performance Metrics
In 2024, Pitts played all 17 games for the Falcons, recording 47 receptions on 74 targets for 602 yards and four touchdowns. His 12.8 yards per catch average highlighted his ability to stretch the field. However, his production fell short of expectations for a player of his caliber. According to Pro Football Focus, Pitts ranked 33rd among 37 tight ends in overall grade (59.6) and 29th in receiving grade (63.9). These numbers reflect a season of inconsistency.
Game-by-Game Highlights
Pitts’ 2024 season featured standout moments and frustrating lulls. In Week 5 against Tampa Bay, he caught seven passes for 88 yards, displaying his playmaking prowess. Week 8 was his peak, as he hauled in four receptions for 91 yards and two touchdowns, including a 49-yard score. Conversely, Weeks 4 and 13 saw him fail to record a single catch, underscoring his boom-or-bust nature. His final game against Carolina yielded just two catches for 15 yards.
Key Plays and Memorable Moments
Several plays defined Pitts’ 2024 campaign. A 50-yard reception from Kirk Cousins in Week 5 showcased his ability to outrun defenders. In Week 8, he stiff-armed a Tampa Bay defender for a 23-yard gain, proving his physicality. Additionally, a 36-yard touchdown grab against the Buccaneers highlighted his red-zone threat. Unfortunately, a dropped pass in Week 16 against the Giants, which led to an interception, drew criticism and encapsulated his struggles.
Statistical Comparison to Peers
Compared to other top tight ends, Pitts’ 2024 stats lagged. Travis Kelce of Kansas City recorded 92 receptions for 987 yards, while George Kittle of San Francisco posted 65 catches for 892 yards. Pitts’ 47 receptions ranked him 12th among tight ends, per NFL.com. His four touchdowns tied for 10th, but his 602 yards placed him 15th. These rankings suggest Pitts underperformed relative to his draft pedigree and potential.
Factors Influencing Pitts’ 2024 Performance
Quarterback Dynamics
The Falcons’ quarterback situation shaped Pitts’ output. Kirk Cousins started 14 games, completing 64% of his passes to Pitts for 485 yards and three touchdowns. Rookie Michael Penix Jr. started the final three games, connecting with Pitts for 10 receptions and 66 yards, including one touchdown. While Cousins provided stability, Penix’s inexperience led to inconsistent targets. Posts on X noted Pitts’ yards per route run dropped from 1.71 with Cousins to 0.90 with Penix.
Offensive Scheme Under Zac Robinson
New offensive coordinator Zac Robinson promised to unlock Pitts’ potential by cross-training him at tight end and wide receiver. Early in the season, Pitts benefited from creative play-calling, averaging 48.5 yards per game through Week 10. However, Robinson’s scheme leaned heavily on wideouts Drake London and Darnell Mooney, limiting Pitts’ targets. By season’s end, Pitts accounted for only 17% of Atlanta’s passing targets, down from 17.9% in 2023.
Defensive Attention and Coverage
Opposing defenses prioritized neutralizing Pitts, often double-teaming him in critical situations. Per NFL Next Gen Stats, Pitts faced bracket coverage on 22% of his routes, the third-highest rate among tight ends. This attention reduced his opportunities, particularly in the red zone, where he saw just six targets. Despite this, Pitts’ ability to draw coverage opened opportunities for teammates, indirectly boosting Atlanta’s passing game.
Pitts’ Role in Atlanta’s 2024 Offense
Synergy with Teammates
Pitts formed a dynamic trio with London and Mooney, stretching defenses thin. In Week 5, all three recorded over 65 yards against Tampa Bay, a rare feat. Pitts’ deep routes complemented London’s possession receiving and Mooney’s speed. However, his target share (13.8% of Atlanta’s passes) trailed London (24.1%) and Mooney (18.4%), per ESPN. This distribution frustrated fans who expected more from the former first-rounder.
Red-Zone Contributions
Pitts’ red-zone impact was modest but notable. He scored three of his four touchdowns inside the 20-yard line, including a clutch fourth-down score from Penix in Week 17. His 6-foot-6 frame made him a matchup nightmare, yet Atlanta targeted him only six times in the red zone. By comparison, Kelce saw 15 red-zone targets. Increasing Pitts’ red-zone looks could elevate his production in 2025.
Blocking and Versatility
While known for receiving, Pitts improved as a blocker in 2024. Pro Football Focus credited him with a 58.2 run-blocking grade, a career high. He also lined up in multiple positions, with 42% of his snaps out wide and 18% in the slot. This versatility stretched defenses but occasionally reduced his involvement in the passing game, as Atlanta prioritized traditional tight-end duties in certain games.
Pitts’ Career Stats and Historical Context
Career Totals Through 2024
Over four seasons, Pitts has 196 receptions for 2,651 yards and 10 touchdowns in 61 games. His 13.5 yards per catch average ranks among the NFL’s best for tight ends. Despite not matching his rookie output, Pitts sits fifth among tight ends in receiving yards since 2021, trailing Kelce, Kittle, Mark Andrews, and T.J. Hockenson. His durability, playing 44 of 51 games since 2022, is a positive sign.
Place Among NFL Tight Ends
Pitts’ career trajectory draws comparisons to elite tight ends like Tony Gonzalez and Antonio Gates. His 1,000-yard rookie season mirrors Gonzalez’s early dominance, though Pitts has yet to sustain that level. Gates, like Pitts, faced early career quarterback struggles but later thrived. If Pitts finds consistency, he could join this pantheon. Currently, he ranks 23rd in career touchdowns among tight ends, per Pro Football Reference.
Franchise and NFL Records
Pitts holds several Falcons records, including the most receiving yards by a rookie (1,026) and by a tight end in a single season. His 163-yard game in 2021 remains the fourth-most by a rookie tight end in NFL history. Additionally, he’s one of only two rookie tight ends to record back-to-back 100-yard games, per AtlantaFalcons.com. These milestones underscore his potential, even amid recent struggles.
What Went Wrong in 2024?
Inconsistent Target Volume
Pitts’ 74 targets in 2024 marked a career low, down from 90 in 2023. Weeks 11-14 saw him receive just 11 targets, resulting in two catches for 23 yards. This drought coincided with Cousins’ struggles, as he threw eight interceptions and no touchdowns during that stretch. Penix’s arrival didn’t immediately boost Pitts’ involvement, as the rookie focused on shorter routes to London and Mooney.
Dropped Passes and Key Mistakes
Pitts dropped four passes in 2024, including a critical one in Week 16 that led to an interception. According to CBS Sports, his drop rate (5.4%) ranked among the highest for tight ends. These miscues eroded trust from quarterbacks and coaches, particularly in high-stakes moments. Improving his catch reliability will be crucial for Pitts to reclaim his elite status.
External Expectations vs. Reality
Fans and analysts expected Pitts to dominate, given his draft status and rookie success. Fantasy football managers, who drafted him as a top-six tight end, felt let down by his TE2-level output (84.3 fantasy points, 12th among tight ends). Atlanta’s general manager, Terry Fontenot, bluntly stated, “There’s no excuse” for Pitts’ production, per FOX Sports. This pressure may have compounded his challenges.
The Road Ahead: Pitts in 2025
Contract Year Stakes
Pitts enters 2025 on a $10.88 million fifth-year option, his final season under his rookie contract. A breakout year could secure a lucrative extension, potentially rivaling Trey McBride’s recent deal with Arizona. Conversely, another underwhelming season might lead to a trade, with teams like the New York Jets and Kansas City Chiefs rumored as fits, per Sporting News. Pitts himself outlined a plan to focus on details and consistency, as shared with Cam Newton.
Chemistry with Michael Penix Jr.
With Cousins likely to be cut, Penix will take the reins in 2025. Pitts and Penix showed flashes of chemistry, notably a 44-yard touchdown in Week 17. However, their limited sample size (10 catches in three games) raises questions. Offensive coordinator Zac Robinson expressed confidence, stating Pitts could “take a big jump” in Year 2 of the system. Building rapport during the offseason will be critical.
Potential for a Breakout
At 24, Pitts remains a physical marvel with untapped potential. His 2021 season proved he can dominate, and improved quarterback play could unlock his ceiling. If Atlanta increases his red-zone targets and reduces defensive attention through balanced play-calling, Pitts could approach 80 receptions and 900 yards. Fans on X are cautiously optimistic, citing his youth and the Falcons’ offensive talent.
FAQs About Kyle Pitts’ 2024 Season and Future
1. What were Kyle Pitts’ final stats for the 2024 NFL season?
Aitana Bonmati Kyle Pitts finished the 2024 season with 47 receptions on 74 targets, 602 receiving yards, and four touchdowns in 17 games. His 12.8 yards per catch average was solid, but his overall production ranked him 12th among tight ends in receptions and 15th in yards, per NFL.com.
2. Why did Kyle Pitts underperform in 2024 compared to his rookie year?
Cade Otton Several factors contributed to Pitts’ 2024 struggles. Inconsistent quarterback play, particularly during Kirk Cousins’ late-season slump and Michael Penix Jr.’s adjustment period, limited his targets. Defensive schemes often double-teamed him, and Atlanta’s offense prioritized wide receivers Drake London and Darnell Mooney. Additionally, Pitts dropped four passes, including a costly one that led to an interception.
3. How did Pitts perform in key games during the 2024 season?
Buzzer Beaters Pitts had standout games, like Week 5 against Tampa Bay (seven catches, 88 yards) and Week 8 (four catches, 91 yards, two touchdowns). However, he struggled in others, recording zero catches in Weeks 4 and 13. His best plays included a 50-yard reception and a 36-yard touchdown, showcasing his big-play ability.
To read more, Click Here
Leave a Reply