ATLANTA – Four times immediately after earning his first Professional Bowl choice, Kyle Pitts proved why he was deserving of becoming the to start with rookie restricted stop in 20 several years to make that honor in Sunday’s earn about the Detroit Lions.

Pitts exploded in the next 50 % with 4 catches for 81-yards, like an impressive 35-lawn capture in which he blew by Lions’ defensive again Ifeatu Melifonwu and caught a go while Melifonwu tugged his left hand.

Pitts finished the video game with 6 catches for 102 yards and a bevy of damaged information. With 949 yards on the year, Pitts handed Tony Gonzalez for the most yards by a Falcons limited finish in a one season he became the only rookie restricted conclude in NFL background with 60+ receptions and 900 yards and is second all-time in yards in a single-season for a rookie tight finish powering Mike Ditka (1,076).

Here is how Pitts teammates, social media, and mentor Arthur Smith reacted to Pitts’ occupation working day.

Arthur Smith: “It’s a long time for a rookie. Like I said, he’s just scratching the floor. He made the Professional Bowl. He broke the franchise history for most yards in a season by a restricted close. And he is just acquiring started off. He is a rookie. It is really a very long, extensive calendar year. …He’s experienced the proper attitude. Which is why he’s enjoyment to mentor. And like I reported, I advised him the other working day when he created the Professional Bowl, he is just scratching the area if he can continue on to enhance. We will see where by this issue goes.”

Matt Ryan: “Early on, he experienced a wonderful get the job done ethic, was eager to go out there and set in the function. I feel there usually will come that time in the period the place it gets hard, and I’ve been definitely impressed with him pushing as a result of that and continuing going out there and place the time in even when it becomes unpleasant because my belief is that it pays off, and I recognize that from him.