Raheem Morris Talks Up Falcons Bijan Robinson & Drake London, Ignores Kyle Pitts

The Atlanta Falcons officially introduced Raheem Morris as their head coach Monday. He talked about his team's offense and specifically mentioned two players: running back Bijan Robinson and wide receiver Drake London. People were quick to notice a missing name: tight end Kyle Pitts. 

That was quite a strong answer from Morris, and he did not hesitate. What stands out about the Falcons offense? Drake London and Bijan Robinson. He then praised general manager Terry Fontenot for acquiring great "tools" and "pieces" for the team. 

Fontenot drafted London with the 8th pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Last year, he used the No. 8 pick to select Bijan Robinson. Both players posted strong numbers last year under former head coach Arthur Smith and many expect them to be even better with a more creative play-caller and perhaps a superior quarterback. 

But Morris did not mention Kyle Pitts. Pitts is another former Top 10 pick on the Atlanta offense. In fact, Pitts was taken higher than both London and Robinson, selected No. 4 in 2021. Not only that, but Pitts was the first draft pick Terry Fontenot made as general manager of the Falcons. 

The team hired Fontenot in January 2021 and three months later he picked Pitts. 

As any fantasy football manager knows, Pitts hasn't lived up to the billing thus far in his career – at least not over the past two seasons. 

He burst onto the scene in his rookie year, posting over 1,000 yards receiving and reaching Pro Bowl status. 

However, he has fewer yards over the past two seasons combined (1,023) than he did in his rookie season (1,026). 

Many people in the fantasy football community blamed Arthur Smith and the Falcons offensive game plan for not utilizing Pitts enough in the Atlanta offense. He is still capable of making incredible plays. 

For those hoping that a coaching change might help Pitts return to his 2021 form, this isn't a great sign. 

The new head coach doesn't consider Pitts one of the cornerstones of the Atlanta offense. 

Could that mean he might not be part of the Falcons offense at all next season? 

The team has to make a decision on Pitts as he enters the fourth year of his rookie deal. Could they trade him to another team? 

Don't rule that out. 

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Dan began his sports media career at ESPN, where he survived for nearly a decade. Once the Stockholm Syndrome cleared, he made his way to Outkick. He is secure enough in his masculinity to admit he is a cat-enthusiast with three cats, one of which is named “Brady” because his wife wishes she were married to Tom instead of him.