Kyle Pitts Wants Revenge After Falcons OC’s Public Message Against TE In Atlanta

In the 2021 NFL Draft, Kyle Pitts was selected fourth overall, making him not only the highest-drafted tight end in league history but also the prototype. 4:44 speed, 245 pounds, 6’6″, and hands capable of catching passes out of orbit. A generational mismatch was just waiting to happen in Atlanta. Pitts looked every bit the part, with 1,026 receiving yards in his rookie season, setting a record no rookie tight end had since Mike Ditka in 1961.

However, since then? A wild ride filled with poor stats, quarterback instability, and doubts about his contribution to the offense. The coaches have changed. Plans have changed. The promise has stayed the same, but the payoff? Not so much.

With Michael Penix Jr. taking over as the new face under centre and Zac Robinson returning for his second season as offensive coordinator, the Falcons seemed to be establishing a solid foundation when Pitts issued a less-than-subtle message from the gym mirror. The caption? “#ayBach.” It didn’t come with an explanation. It wasn’t required. Because the message was for the Falcons, not for the fans. More so, for the coaching staff that keeps talking about what he isn’t instead of what he is.

Zac Robinson, the offensive coordinator for the Falcons, stated just a few days earlier: “We’re looking for that next level of understanding the offense. Take the thinking out of it, just play fast.” Translation? Pitts’ is still not where the staff wants him to be mentally. For a former No. 4 overall pick starting a contract year, this isn’t exactly the ringing endorsement you’d expect. However, because the flashes are still there, Atlanta doubled down this offseason by picking up his fifth-year option. Because when you have that type of talent, you don’t give up. But the front office wants a cushion in case this goes awry.

Internally, Pitts hears the noise. However, he’s opting to react with modest smoke and sweat equity this offseason. The post was a battle cry as much as a flex. “Payback” for his reputation slippage, the passive-aggressive coach remarks, and the public’s mistrust that have followed him for too long, two seasons.

Falcons OC dials up the pressure on Kyle Pitts’ potential

‘Talent’ is not the answer. No one has ever questioned that. Everyone at Flowery Branch believes that the answer lies in the details. Not highlight plays. Not athletic freakiness, speed, or size. But specific, assignment-certain, playbook-mastery information. Zac Robinson said bluntly, “It’s just about that next level of details, next level of consistency… He’s in Year 2 of the system… take the thinking out of it.” Plainly, that sounds like standard coach-speak. However, it has become Pitts’ defining obstacle. The story of his 2024 season goes as follows: Weeks 1–8: 3 touchdowns, 419 yards — on track to reach career highs. Weeks 9–17: 183 yards, 1 touchdown – all momentum gone.

Why? Because Pitts’ game didn’t improve as the reads became more difficult, the defenses became more stringent, and the margin for error decreased. It dimmed. He was even compared to a boom-or-bust receiver by head coach Raheem Morris, who said, “He reminds me of when I was with DeSean Jackson… two catches for 180 yards and then disappear.” Tight ends can’t disappear. Not in modern offenses where they block, protect, and move the chains when big plays aren’t there. And that’s been Pitts’ blind spot.

In addition to being a huge receiver in shoulder pads, he is still expected to develop into a full-fledged tight end. “Our job as a tight end is to make it right… operate in the grey area,” as tight ends coach Kevin Koger stated it simply. This entails being aware of run fits. Capturing blitzes. Selling routes with accuracy. Establishing distance without compromising timing. Despite his explosion, Pitts hasn’t shown that he can consistently operate in that grey area.

Kyle Pitts is no longer the shiny new player. In a system that is loaded and preparing for takeoff in 2025, he is the veteran question mark. So, while Zac Robinson wants next-level understanding, Kyle Pitts wants revenge.

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