Overview
- Pitts played in the Falcons’ season opener but finished with zero catches on one target as Atlanta fell 20-13 in Pittsburgh.
- Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. were unavailable with injuries, so Cooper Rush started and struggled with a 12-for-22 line, 143 yards, one touchdown, two interceptions, four sacks and a 2.6 ESPN QBR.
- Rush targeted running back Bijan Robinson heavily, who caught 8-of-10 targets for 90 yards and a touchdown, which compressed the passing distribution away from receivers and tight ends.
- Analysts say Pittsburgh’s pressure forced quicker throws and that Rush’s limited downfield passing specifically reduced opportunities for a downfield tight end like Pitts.
- Pitts remains healthy and carries high expectations after his 2025 breakout and offseason extension, but his Week 1 zero is treated as a small-sample result that likely changes if Atlanta’s starters return or play-calling shifts.