FLOWERY BRANCH -- Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan and rookie tight end Kyle Pitts didn’t play together in exhibition games, and it showed Sunday in the season-opening loss to the Eagles.
Ryan and Pitts will be the X-factor when the Falcons face the defending Super Bowl-champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers at 4:05 p.m. Sunday at Raymond James Stadium. The two need to have a better connection if the Falcons are going to have a shot at the upset.
Pitts caught three of eight targets for 31 yards against the Eagles. He helped to convert a fourth-down attempt, but was a non-factor as the offense sputtered after two promising early drives.
“I thought he did a good job,” Ryan said. “There were positives to take away from Week 1.”
Ryan helped to develop Austin Hooper, who was a third-round pick in 2016 and Levine Toilolo, who was a fourth-round pick in 2013.
He notes that tight end is a tough position for rookies to master.
“There is a lot that comes with it, the first time doing it particularly at the tight end position,” Ryan said. “There is a lot asked of that position. To be heavily involved in the pass-game. To be heavily involved in the run game. To be used in pass protection from time to time. It’s a lot of learning.”
Pitts, who was the fourth overall pick in the draft and the highest tight end selected since the NFL-AFL merger in 1970, has been strong student.
“I think he’s done a great job with it,” Ryan said. “He had a productive first game for us, and he just needs to continue to grow each week, which I think he’ll continue to do.”
Ryan, who didn’t play in the exhibition games, admitted the passing game was “choppy” at times against the Eagles.
The Falcons will attempt to smooth things out in practice and the regular-season games.
“He’s talented,” Ryan said. “He’s incredibly talented. He works hard. … The thing that encourages me the most is how consistent he is day to day.”
Ryan believe Pitts, who will turn 21 in October, will be fine.
“The really good players that I’ve been around have been the ones that consistently put in the work,” Ryan said. “Have a great routine. Knew exactly what their purpose was. He’s got all of those things which give you a chance to tap into that potential.”
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