ATL Standard

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons are preparing to host the Kansas City Chiefs this Sunday night, and several questions about the team's performance have emerged.

Michael C. from Brewster, Massachusetts, asked about Kyle Pitts' involvement in the offense. "Kyle Pitts hasn't been too involved in the offense the last few weeks. Why aren't we giving him the ball more?" Tori McElhaney responded by highlighting that Pitts has been targeted seven times over two games and caught six of those targets for 46 yards. She compared his stats with other receivers on the team: Drake London (eight catches on 10 targets for 69 yards), Darnell Mooney (five catches on 10 targets for 103 yards), Ray-Ray McCloud (nine catches on 10 targets for 94 yards), and Bijan Robinson (nine catches on 10 targets for 68 yards). McElhaney noted that while Pitts' numbers are slightly lower, they are not significantly different from his teammates.

McElhaney also pointed out that defenses play a role in who gets targeted and mentioned that the Chiefs have struggled against tight ends this season. "Through their first two games this season, the Chiefs have given up 25 receptions for 276 yards to tight ends," she said, suggesting that Pitts could have a big game against Kansas City.

Camereon W. from Snellville, Georgia, commented on Kirk Cousins' performance and areas for improvement. "WHAT A GAME!!! Who would have thought the Falcons would have such a season-defining game so early?" he wrote. McElhaney acknowledged Cousins' improvement but pointed out issues with third-and-medium-plus situations. "Against the Steelers, the Falcons were 2-for-9 on third down... Against the Eagles... again — 2-for-9 on third down," she explained, emphasizing that improving third-down conversions could significantly impact the offense.

Barry W. from Rex, Georgia, inquired about the defensive rookie class's role after some were listed as inactive. McElhaney cited Raheem Morris's explanation: "If you keep Orhorhoro active, who are you keeping inactive out of the group of defensive linemen the Falcons have right now?" She added that veteran players like Grady Jarrett and David Onyemata currently occupy key positions but assured fans that rookies would eventually get their chance.

Overall, these insights reflect both optimism and areas needing improvement as the Falcons move forward into their next matchup against a formidable opponent.