The Falcons have been one of the league's more interesting offenses to track in 2026, but not because of their tight end usage. Atlanta ranks 30th in tight end targets with just 13 throws, and Kyle Pitts has been an afterthought so far. That stands out even more because the Falcons have still used multiple-tight-end looks, just without much volume going to the position.
The clearest explanation for Atlanta's offensive shape has been the distribution of targets. Bijan Robinson and Drake London have driven the production, while Pitts has not been a featured part of the passing game. In Week 3, the Falcons beat the Green Bay Packers 35-0, and the offense was fueled by Robinson and London rather than a crowded tight end rotation.
Why the tight end numbers are so low
Atlanta's 13 tight end targets are a strikingly small number for a team that has leaned on multiple-tight-end formations. The issue is not simply alignment. It is usage. Pitts has not been the focal point, and the rest of the position has not picked up much of the slack either.
Against the Packers, Robinson was targeted only twice, which is another sign that the Falcons are willing to spread the ball around differently depending on the matchup. Michael Penix also targeted Austin Hooper on a scoring drive before halftime, showing that the tight end position can still matter in key moments even if the overall target count remains low.
What Michael Penix could change
One reason the Falcons' passing structure is worth watching is that Michael Penix may change how often the offense leans on checkdowns and screens to Robinson. If that happens, it could open a little more room for other options in the middle of the field, including Pitts and the tight end group.
That does not guarantee a breakout. But it does create a better path for the position than a static offense would. The Falcons have shown they can score without feeding the tight ends heavily, yet the balance could still shift as the season moves on. For now, Pitts remains the clearest reminder that volume, not just alignment, will determine how much this passing game can grow.
