Overview
- Kyle Pitts played and was targeted once but finished with zero catches in the Falcons’ 20-13 loss to the Steelers.
- Atlanta started Cooper Rush because Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. were unavailable with injuries and Rush completed short, safer throws that kept the ball away from downfield threats.
- Rush threw nearly half his passes to running back Bijan Robinson, who caught 8 of 10 targets for 90 yards and a touchdown, which concentrated targets and reduced opportunities for Pitts.
- Film review shows Pitts had one clear downfield chance that was underthrown and likely would have been a long touchdown if the pass had been placed better.
- Analysts and fantasy writers say the zero looks like a game-day outlier tied to quarterback availability and pressure, and they advise holding Pitts while awaiting the return of the injured starters and a fuller role under Kevin Stefanski.