There are so many reasons why Kyle Pitts is set to have his best season as a pro this year. He’s 100% healthy for the first time since he was a rookie, he’s motivated because he’s nearing the end of his rookie deal and this is year is crucial year for him if he wants a big contract, he’s going to have the best quarterback play he’s had since he was a rookie, and that quarterback is challenging him to be the best version of himself. Earlier today The Morning Shift reacted to Kirk Cousins saying he’s challenging Kyle Pitts to use his length and his speed more, and then explained why Cousins is going to get the most out of Pitts this season.
“What I'm encouraging him with is to use that length as much as he can. Anytime he lets the ball into his body I tell him that wasn’t good enough. You should never let it come into your body, you're too good to let it come into your body, so I challenge him with that, and then I challenge him, I don’t feel like he’s running as fast as he possibly can. I say that wasn’t good enough, that was fast enough for a lot of tight ends, but for you it’s got to be faster, and so I’m going to always say did you run you as fast as you possibly can and did you snag it with your hands aggressively. Those are the two things I challenge him on because I said if you do that the production can’t help but happen, and so I’m just always looking for opportunities to get him running, and then give him that ball where he can go snag it.”
That’s what Cousins had to say when talking about Kyle Pitts and getting him to use his length and speed, and Mike Johnson said he almost “shed a tear” listening to that sound bite from Kirk because of the leadership and passion that he heard Cousins speaking with. Mike continued by talking about what else he heard in that soundbite from the Falcons starting quarterback.
“What you hear from Kirk is a guy that’s very passionate about what Kyle Pitts can bring to the table, and he can actually tend to you know exploit that, and he’s saying Kyle, I need you at your best, and you need you at your best, and this team all needs you at your best.” Mike said.
Beau Morgan then talks about why he thinks there’s also some extra motivation from the former fourth overall pick this season.
“I think when he sees 18 walk in the door he has flashbacks to 2021 and number two getting him the ball. He finally has that belief and that trust, not only in his physical self, because of coming off the injury and he feels confident there, but now he has a confidence that ball is going to be there on time, or just come at all, and not to mention he’s being used again in a way that really compliments who he is.” Beau said.
He’s healthy, he’s confident, he’s in what should be an explosive offense that will use him in a way that will showcase all his talents, and he’s got a really good quarterback that will not only get him the ball the way he wants it, but is also pushing him to be his best self because he believes in him that much. Kyle Pitts doesn’t need anything else to have a great season, he’s got all the tools, now he just has to go out there and do it.
