Atlanta, GA

Atlanta Falcons have a Kyle Pitts Problem

Published

1 year ago

October 1, 2024

Atlanta Falcons have a Kyle Pitts Problem

The Atlanta Falcons pulled off a miraculous, last-second win versus rival New Orleans Saints. Meanwhile, Kyle Pitts played no significant role in the offense, again. As the Falcons continue to try and build a solid foundation on the offensive side of the ball, Pitts looks like an island to himself.

When asked about the lack of production from Kyle Pitts, head coach Raheem Morris defended the former No. 4 overall pick by sounding eerily familiar to previous head coach Arthur Smith. He said “stats are for losers.”

Maybe. But Kyle Pitts didn’t accumulate any stats against the Saints. Zero catches, zero yards. He’s on pace for 34 catches for 446 yards — a worse per game average than he had with Marcus Mariota as his quarterback.

Once considered the next evolution in tight end play, he pretty much runs cardio routes, baiting a defender halfway down the field. The defender realizes that Pitts is not open, won’t get open, and the Atlanta offense plays 10-on-11 over the course of four quarters.

Honesty needs to set in. Kyle Pitts doesn’t look like he fits the Falcons current and present.

Not Skill Related

Now, Pitts’s issues do not reside with his athletic ability. For his size and frame, Pitts enjoys an elite blend of speed and explosiveness that NFL tight ends rarely have. He had a 9.65 Relative Athletic Score coming out of Florida. The nearest comparison of a similar tight end feels like Vernon Davis.

Pitts will outrun any linebacker, move laterally against them underneath, as well. Similarly, while defensive backs can obviously keep up, Pitts’s size and frame should act as a shield. Imagine a power forward in basketball, boxing an opponent out in a small area.

In a perfect world, the former Florida product would serve as a matchup nightmare and redzone threat as a tight end that can line up anywhere on the field due to his speed and agility. That was the idea when the Falcons made him the highest drafted tight end in history in 2021.

What’s the Problem?

As mentioned, the issue is not a physical one. So, where does the issue lay? First, you have to look at the hands. Through four seasons, Pitts dropped thirteen passes. That excuse would hold water if the Falcons employed the same quarterbacks. Instead, they signed a veteran and drafted a highly-touted rookie.

Yet, he sits fifth in catches and yardage. When a new quarterback chooses to throw the ball elsewhere, that speaks volumes to where the offense sees Pitts at the moment. Plus, the reasoning that defenses gameplan and take him out of the game by scheme falls apart.

Still Trying

Despite Pitts’s invisibility in 2024, his teammates still attempt to get him involved. Yesterday, Kirk Cousins discussed this with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

“So, there are some plays out there when I come to sideline, I say, ‘Kyle, I’ve got to work you there,’” Cousins said. “Then there are other ones where I did work him. I say, ‘I probably shouldn’t have forced it to you.’ It goes both ways. You always go where your reads take you and it skews the numbers one way or the other. Sometimes. it’s really balanced. You just have to go where they take you.”

Big Picture

With one year remaining after 2024 on his rookie deal, where does Kyle Pitts stand? Does he warrant a second deal or should Atlanta let him walk and funnel those funds to shore up weaknesses? Bluntly, this sits in Pitts’s hands.

The club already picked up his fifth-year option, but nothing appears after that. The Falcons strive to unencumber themselves from mistakes in the past. Kyle Pitts’s play will determine if he will exist a current Falcon or one of the past.

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Atlanta, GA

Soccer Frenzy: Cities, Fans, and What to Know | Futbol HQ

Published

5 hours ago

February 27, 2026

Press Room

Soccer Frenzy: Cities, Fans, and What to Know | Futbol HQ

With the World Cup just months away, host cities ramp up preparations for a global surge of fans. Philadelphia takes center stage as the World Cup draws closer. From major fan event changes and security planning to base camps and short-term rentals, here’s what to know ahead of the matches.

Posted February 27, 2026 5:19pm EST

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Atlanta, GA

Atlanta runners honor Olympian Jeff Galloway after his passing

Published

17 hours ago

February 27, 2026

Press Room

Atlanta runners honor Olympian Jeff Galloway after his passing

Jeff Galloway, pioneer of run-walk-run, dies at 80

The running world is mourning the loss of Jeff Galloway, a transformative figure who democratized distance running for millions. An Olympian and the winner of the first-ever Peachtree Road Race in 1970, Galloway was best known for his revolutionary Run-Walk-Run method.

ATLANTA – Atlanta runners are finding ways to honor the legacy of former US Olympian Jeff Galloway, who was widely known for his run-walk-run strategy, after his death on Wednesday at 80.

What we know:

Officials say Galloway suffered a hemorrhagic stroke and died in a hospital in Pensacola, Florida.

His daughter-in-law, Carissa Galloway, also a running enthusiast, shared a tribute to him through social media following his death.

What they’re saying:

“With Jeff being the winner of the first Peachtree, he sort of automatically is a legend here in Atlanta,” said Rich Kenah, Atlanta Track Club CEO.

Kenah says Galloway will likely be remembered most for inspiring so many people to lace up their sneakers and start running.

Running legend Jeff Galloway passes away in Florida

“We know Jeff in the running world as our hometown hero. You know, our celebrity. But he leveraged that celebrity to bring more people into the sport than anybody else that I can think of. I think that should be his legacy,” said Kenah.

At a Thursday night run along the Beltline, the group held a moment of silence in Galloway’s honor.

“He’s a big advocate for encouraging people to go and run. I was influenced by him. I ran my 1st marathon back in December of 2024,” said Alex Lewis.

As the group took off on their run, they remembered the elite athlete who spent a lifetime motivating others to lead a healthy life one step at a time.

“Even though he was an Olympian and kind of like a celebrity in his own right, he still acted and talked to us normal people, just like a regular guy. He’ll be deeply missed here in Atlanta,” said Lewis.

Atlanta Track Club officials say there will be a moment to recognize Jeff Galloway before the start of Sunday’s Publix Atlanta Marathon.

They’re still planning how they will pay tribute to him at this year’s Peachtree Road Race.

The Source: This is a FOX 5 original report where Denise Dillon spoke with members of the Atlanta running community.

AtlantaNewsFlorida

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Atlanta, GA

Atlanta Hawks partner with iconic strip club for ‘Magic City Monday’

Published

1 day ago

February 26, 2026

Press Room

Atlanta Hawks partner with iconic strip club for ‘Magic City Monday’

Two Atlanta institutions are coming together to bring a new experience to NBA fans.

The Atlanta Hawks and Magic City are partnering for “Magic City Monday,” a celebration of a cultural institution during the team’s game against Orlando Magic on March 16.

Magic City is a self-identified “premier Atlanta strip club,” and well-known across the city for their performances as well as their kitchen. The club is regularly featured in lists identifying the best chicken wings in the city. Magic City is in downtown Atlanta.

What to expect at ‘Magic City Monday’

Before the game, Hawks’ principal owner Jami Gertz, a filmaker and actor, will present a live recording of the Hawks AF podcast, according to a news release from the organization.

Gertz recently produced a five-part STARZ docuseries about Magic City, working with Atlanta native Jermaine Dupri and featuring interviews with Big Boi, Killer Mike and T.I. The series explores the “pivotal role” the club played in “hip-hop and Black culture,” in Atlanta and beyond.

The live recording will include a conversation about the documentary, as well as chats with Magic City founder Michael “Mr. Magic” Barney, T.I. and D.C. Young Fly.

“This collaboration and theme night is very meaningful to me after all the work that we did to put together ‘Magic City: An American Fantasy,’” Gertz said in the release. “The iconic Atlanta institution has made an incredible impact on our city and its unique culture.”

During halftime, T.I will perform in State Farm Arena, and the organization will rely on DJ Esco for pregame music.

“We doin’ this one for the city… Magic City,” T.I. said in the release.

Magic City is bringing the wings

Magic City will bring their famous lemon pepper wings into State Farm Arena, serving the Louwill Lemon Pepper BBQ wins and traditional Lemon Pepper at sections 114, 120 and 211. Wings will also be available at two all-inclusive premium experiences including Harrah’s Cherokee Casino’s Club and the Players Club.

“From the food to the music to the exclusive merchandise, we are excited to team up with Magic City to create an authentic, True to Atlanta-inspired game experience,” Melissa Proctor, Hawks executive vice president and chief marketing officer, said in the release.

Limited-edition merchandise, including a ‘MAGIC CITY’ hoodie, will be available at State Farm Arena and online starting Monday, March 16.

The game tips off at 7 p.m. E.T., but fans are invited to enter the arena early for the podcast taping. You can purchase tickets here.

Irene Wright is the Atlanta Connect reporter with USA Today’s Deep South Connect team. Find her on X @IreneEWright or email her at ismith@usatodayco.com.

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