Falcons WATCH: Taylor Heinicke Throws TD to Kyle Pitts vs. Colts

The Atlanta Falcons allowed a touchdown to start Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts but quickly responded with one of their own.

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Taylor Heinicke wasted little time getting back into the swing of things.

Trailing 7-0 to the Indianapolis Colts halfway through the first quarter of Sunday's game inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Heinicke delivered a 24-yard touchdown pass to tight end Kyle Pitts.

Here's a look at the play ...

🎱 corner pocket!!#ProBowlVote x @kylepitts__
📺 FOX | NFL+ pic.twitter.com/8Mh8rXsTDY

— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) December 24, 2023

The touchdown reception marked Pitts' third this year, marking a single-season career high. It followed a 32-yard run by rookie running back Bijan Robinson, the second-longest of his young career.

Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts (8) catches a pass for a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium / Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

As for Heinicke, the 30-year-old passer completed three of four passes for 43 yards on his first series back as the starter, as Falcons coach Arthur Smith benched Desmond Ridder for Heinicke earlier this week.

Heinicke, who took over in the second half of Week 8 after Ridder entered concussion protocol and started the next two games, entered Sunday having completed 41 of 74 (55.4 percent) of his attempts for 498 yards, three touchdowns and an interception.

Colts vs. Falcons Live Updates: Kyle Pitts Ties it Up

The Falcons lost each of Heinicke's first two starts - but with more drives like his first Sunday, they may be able to buck that trend.