The Atlanta Falcons are poised to break out on offense, courtesy of the arrival of Kirk Cousins. Two pieces in particular that could see a giant leap forward in 2024 are Kyle Pitts and Drake London.
Mike Johnson, filling in for Steak on The Steakhouse on Wednesday morning, had some high praise for the Falcons' pass catchers as the team continues its ramp up to the 2024 season.
"Drake London, to me, is going to have so much success on back shoulder throws," Mike Johnson said about the Falcons' wide receiver. "He's not a speed guy, but you didn't have the back shoulder success that you could have from a Desmond Ridder last year."
In two seasons with the Falcons, albeit with Marcus Mariota and Desmond Ridder breaking camp as his starting quarterback, London has accounted for 1,771 yards receiving and six touchdowns. That's impressive, especially considering what he was dealing with under center.
Kyle Pitts, on the other hand, did have one season with a competent starter at quarterback. In his rookie season with Matt Ryan, Pitts nearly set the NFL rookie receiving record (1,026 yards). His two seasons since then haven't come close to the promise fans witnessed from the unicorn tight end and he's only posted 1,023 yards since his rookie year.
Mike sees that changing in a big way in 2024.
"And Kyle Pitts, I think he's just ready to explode," he said. "I mean, we [The Morning Shift] got a chance to talk to him on Monday and he looks like he is getting ready to absolutely ride a roller coaster this season. We talked about his over/under for touchdowns earlier and it's 4.5 this year. I think he is running at least five into the end zone and probably, in my opinion, getting another five just standing in the end zone. I think he is going to have a monstrous, monstrous season with Kirk Cousins."