It isn't a secret that the Atlanta Falcons remained mystified and frustrated by Kyle Pitts lack of production in recent seasons. The pass catcher was expected to be a unicorn who changed the Atlanta offense. After an impressive rookie season, it has been three straight years of frustrations. Something that showed up in offensive coordinator Zac Robinson's recent comments. Robinson kept harping on Pitts' need to "play fast," making it very easy to read into what exactly the coach is saying underneath the obvious.
Robinson continued, noting that what the team was looking for was "that next level of understanding of the offense," with this quote suggesting Pitts still hasn't found this in what isn't a complex system. Robinson ended his comments by suggesting, "Just play fast, no matter what, that's what we'll coach him up on when we hit the field next week." This ended in many ways what was an eye-catching quote, despite being in positive coaching language.
Kyle Pitts Continues to Be an Incredible Source of Frustration for the Atlanta Falcons
While Zac Robinson cannot say it, there is no reason to dance around the crux of what the problem has been for Kyle Pitts. The talent didn't suddenly leave the young pass catcher, and Arthur Smith's offense didn't destroy his confidence. Kyle's problem simply boils down to effort and a willingness to play consistently through contact.
Reading between the lines of Zac Robinson's comments, it is easy to understand why the word "fast" keeps coming up. This is due to a player who often takes a play off or powers down when a play is still alive. At times, it is as if Pitts runs a route and simply quits when it gets to the end, no matter what has happened. The whistle hasn't determined how long Pitts plays or the effort the pass catcher puts into the game.
While this might seem harsh, it is the reality of why Pitts has been a source of frustration. Turn on the tape from either of the past seasons and watch how the pass catcher plays. There is a level of slow softness that simply doesn't have any place on a football field if you're going to be a notable contributor.
With this in mind, the Falcons can do little but coach Pitts and hope that the pass catcher can find a level of effort he has yet to show in his career. Unless Michael Penix Jr. becomes the secret that unlocks Pitts, this is likely the veteran's final year in an Atlanta uniform.