Kyle Pitts’ 2024 season has indeed been a significant letdown, especially after the high expectations set following his record-breaking rookie year. Despite being touted as one of the NFL’s most promising young talents, his numbers have sharply declined this season. The 543 receiving yards and 41 catches through 14 weeks are far below the lofty projections for a player of his caliber, especially when compared to the success of other players from his draft class, such as Ja’Marr Chase and Micah Parsons.
Several factors are contributing to Pitts’ struggles this season. First, the quarterback play, while improved with Kirk Cousins now at the helm, has still not been ideal in bringing out Pitts’ best performance. However, the quarterback can’t be fully blamed when a player’s effort and involvement in the game are inconsistent. The issue seems to go beyond the lack of chemistry with the quarterback.
Reports indicate that Pitts has been largely phased out of the offense, with his target count dipping in most games. His lack of consistent targets and inability to break 50 yards receiving for the majority of the games further highlights his diminishing role. On top of that, the performance on the field seems lackluster, with reports suggesting lazy route running, lack of focus, and troubling mistakes such as dropped passes and giving up on plays. These issues have led many to question his commitment and ability to shake off his current funk.
Comparisons to other players drafted around him in the 2021 draft class only add to the frustration, as players like Ja’Marr Chase, Micah Parsons, and Patrick Surtain II have become cornerstone pieces of their respective teams. While Pitts still has undeniable potential, his regression raises serious concerns. The Falcons, too, seem unsure how to best utilize him, and that uncertainty only compounds his struggles.
While it’s still possible that Pitts could rediscover his form, the 2024 season so far offers little optimism, especially given how much the expectations have shifted downward from what was once seen as a promising future for one of the most talented athletes coming out of the 2021 draft.
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