NFL Rookie Review: Kyle Pitts
Follow live coverage as the Atlanta Falcons take on the New York Jets as London welcomes back the NFL.
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will host a battle between one quarterback with intentions to join the hall of fame one day in former MVP Matt Ryan and another with immense talent and hopes and dreams to thrive in the league for the next decade in Zach Wilson.
There is another gem from this year’s NFL draft in Kyle Pitts, who was snagged fourth overall by the Falcons, who resisted the opportunity to grab a new quarterback of their own, with the former Florida tight end tipped to replicate the impact of the Chiefs’ Travis Kelce or the Buccaneers’ Rob Gronkowski.
Both teams enter the contest at 1-3 on different trajectories, while there is also parallels with the coaches, who are both starting out as the main man after Arthur Smith and Robert Saleh stepped up from offensive coordinator at the Titans and defensive coordinator at the 49ers respectively – posing a compelling match-up between contrasting philosophies.
Follow all the action from north London, with play-by-play updates from the early kick-off in week five of the NFL:
NFL London 2021 – Falcons 17-3 Jets
Jets ball! CJ Mosley forces the fumble and Wilson can breathe a sigh of relief.
Wilson struggling again, a third down for the Jets, a laser incomplete down the middle but there’s a flag.
It’s defensive PI, a lifeline for the Jets.
Johnson moves the chains and Jets gradually discovering some momentum.
Wilson out wide to Carter, but he’s nailed by Ogundeji. It’s third and nine…
Wilson to Crowder to extend the drive and add 13 yards and arrive at the Falcons’ 28.
Carter now rumbling for nine yards after finding the edge. Jets sniffing a touchdown here.
A poor Wilson throw to Crowder, who had found himself wide open, sees the Jets face 2nd and 10 at the Atlanta 16.
Jets finally fail to convert on third down, Ammendola on for the field goal and it’s GOOD! Jets cut the deficit to 14, Falcons lead 17-3.
Jack Rathborn10 October 2021 15:31
NFL London 2021 – Falcons 17-0 Jets
The Jets need to get something going here or this one is going to get out of hand quick.
That’s not what they needed though.
Zach Wilson is picked off by Jaylinn Hawkins on an errant pass intended for wide receiver Keelan Cole and it’ll be Falcon ball deep in Jet territory again.
That’s a ninth interception on the year in just the fifth game for the second overall pick.
Jack Rathborn10 October 2021 15:28
NFL London 2021 – Falcons 10-0 Jets
Kyle Pitts is special, a one-handed catch for 22 yards that sees the Falcons surge towards the end zone again.
The fourth overall pick from this year’s draft is up to 58 yards off five receptions.
Jack Rathborn10 October 2021 15:19
NFL London 2021 – Falcons 10-0 Jets
Wilson back out, he needs to find a spark for the Jets as it’s been one-way traffic so far.
Falcons have 134 yards. Jets have… 5.
It’s another three and out for Gang Green. Saleh looks concerned on the sideline.
Jack Rathborn10 October 2021 15:11
NFL London 2021 – Falcons 10-0 Jets
Jets putting Ryan under pressure, back on their own 15.
Patterson, who has been cleared of concussion, is back out there and rushes for nine yards.
Ryan then drops one in for Sharpe for 14 yards and a third down.
And there he is, huge completion to Pitts for the Falcons, who are into the Jets’ half. Pitts is seeing an uptick in volume, fantasy players will be delighted with 3 for 34 so far.
Ryan utilising his tight ends early, this time Smith for 22 yards and Patterson hauls another in, it’s first and goal. Falcons rolling early on here.
And there it is, Kyle Pitts has his first touchdown of his NFL career, Falcons lead 10-0!
Jack Rathborn10 October 2021 15:01
NFL London 2021 – Falcons 3-0 Jets
Wilson is in, can the Jets build on the momentum from last week?
Carter rushes for five on first down.
Wilson then gets out the pocket and attracts a big hit due to opting against sliding.
The Jets fail to convert and it’s three and out.
Jack Rathborn10 October 2021 14:52
NFL London 2021 – Falcons 3-0 Jets
Patterson is in the concussion tent, a concern for the Falcons.
Down on their weapons, the revelation of their season so far is now in doubt to return.
Jack Rathborn10 October 2021 14:50
NFL London 2021 – Falcons 3-0 Jets
Patterson stepping up in the absence of Ridley and Gage, Falcons driving down to the Jets’ 25.
A big completion to Pitts for 16 yards, Falcons onto the Jets’ 11…
Ryan facing third down now in the red zone, can they force more than field goal, 3rd and 9 for the hosts.
No good for the Falcons, but Koo bangs home the field goal, they lead 3-0.
Jack Rathborn10 October 2021 14:43
NFL London 2021 – Falcons vs Jets
Arthur Smith will have to be creative today, while Matt Ryan will need to be efficient given Calvin Ridley and Russell Gage are out.
Jack Rathborn10 October 2021 14:31
