Understandably, a lot of the Atlanta Falcons' early-season attention has been on the continued dominance of Bijan Robinson and the surprise emergence of the pass rush. However, lost in all of this is credit due to Kyle Pitts for showing up far more engaged thus far in the 2025 season. Pitts had been a consistent source of frustration ever since a breakout rookie season. Whether it was displaying poor effort running routes or motoring down before the whistle had blown, there was reason to question the intensity and approach of the skilled pass catcher.
It appears that Michael Penix Jr. taking over was perhaps the missing piece. Two weeks into the season, and the Florida product has 11 catches and 96 yards on the season. While this is far from eye-popping numbers, it is better than what fans have seen for the last three seasons. Leaving a small flicker of hope that perhaps we will finally see a return to Pitts' level of production from the tight end's rookie season.
Falcons Star Playmaker Kyle Pitts Showing Signs of Life in Early in 2025 Season
More importantly, when you watch back each of the first two games of the season, there is a clear improvement in effort from Pitts. It isn't perfect or mistake-free, but the tight end isn't giving up on routes early and is a very willing blocker even when going long stretches without touching the ball. With Penix's ability to push the ball down the field, all of this suggests that the best season of Pitts' career could lie ahead.
Falcons fans are understandably going to have a difficult time believing in this. Having been so consistently burned by Pitts, laying blame at the feet of former head coach Arthur Smith for the second season's implosion. Still, it is impossible to ignore just how exciting the early production has been and the positive signs Pitts is putting on display.
If there was ever going to be a season where there wasn't false hope placed in a breakout season to come, it is 2025. You have the ultimate run game serving as a shield and chemistry with a quarterback who believes in consistently pushing the ball down the field.
All of this is setting Pitts up for a great season and making a statement in what is a contract year. An undeniable piece of this that deserves attention is the leap in effort and production. Regardless, it is a great sign for Atlanta and leaves hope that perhaps this will be Pitts' second 1,000-yard season, giving the Falcons a true third weapon behind Bijan and Drake London.