WATCH: Kyle Pitts makes ridiculous one-handed catch versus Dolphins
On National Tight Ends Day, Atlanta Falcons rookie Kyle Pitts made a grab worthy of Catch of the Year.
The Falcons, looking to capitalize with a few more points ahead of the half, needed to get into field-goal range. With 36 seconds remaining, quarterback Matt Ryan connected with Kyle Pitts for a 39-yard completion.
Pitts made the catch with one hand and with defensive pass interference. Atlanta declined the penalty and marched down the field. Kicker Younghoe Koo nailed a 36-yard field goal to give the Falcons a 13-7 lead over the Miami Dolphins at halftime.
Kyle Pitts has three catches for 75 yards on three targets so far on Sunday.
Through Week 7, Pitts has 24 catches, 308 yards and one score. The former Florida Gator caught the first touchdown of his career in Week 5.
Falcons hope Pitts replicates his collegiate success
After playing three seasons for the Florida Gators, the Falcons selected Pitts with the fourth overall pick in April’s NFL Draft. Pitts first broke out for Florida as a sophomore in 2019 with 54 receptions for 649 yards and five touchdowns. Last season, Pitts had 43 receptions for 770 yards and 12 touchdowns.
The Falcons brought Pitts in after trading star wide receiver Julio Jones to the Tennessee Titans in the offseason. Pitts is part of a passing offense that includes Calvin Ridley, Russell Gage, Hayden Hurst and others. His athleticism makes him such a dangerous threat as a tight end.
Kyle Pitts presents the ultimate mismatch for opponents as Alabama head coach Nick Saban described.
“Like the guy at Florida last year, Pitts,” Saban added. “I’m telling you a defensive back couldn’t cover the guy and a linebacker couldn’t cover the guy, the defensive back because of his size, the linebacker because the guy was so athletic and fast. I mean you’re talking about an impossible situation when you have a mismatched player like that.”