Kyle Pitts has now recorded 14 touchdowns since being selected as the fourth overall pick in the 2021 draft.
NFL 2025 Season: Week 15
Kyle Pitts notched three scores as the Atlanta Falcons mounted a dramatic rally to secure a last-gasp 29-28 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Kicker Zane Gonzalez booted a game-winning kick as time expired, while Pitts became only the 8th tight end in NFL history to achieve three receiving catches and over 150 yards through the air in a single game.
After beginning the year as one of the NFL's early-season pacesetters, the Buccaneers have now fallen from the top of the AFC South for the initial time in 2025, with just 3 games left in the regular season.
They now hold a 7-7 mark after suffering five of their previous six outings. This includes back-to-back home losses in the space of 5 days to two division rivals who are out of play-off contention.
Game Recap
The Buccaneers opened the scoring with a Sean Tucker score before the Falcons took a 14-13 lead at half-time. This followed Pitts, who entered Thursday's matchup with just a single touchdown all year, claimed his initial pair of touchdowns.
The Buccaneers subsequently raced into a 28-14 lead early in the fourth period after QB Baker Mayfield connected on touchdown passes to Devin Culp and Chris Godwin Jr.
Experienced quarterback Kirk Cousins was making his fourth straight start after a year-ending injury to Atlanta's starting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. The veteran proceeded to guide the Falcons to the 32nd final period comeback of his distinguished career.
Running back Bijan Robinson found the end zone before Pitts secured his hat-trick. Atlanta then regained the ball with less than two minutes remaining.
And despite being pinned to a third and 28 after a fumble recovery and a 10-yard penalty, Cousins completed key throws to Pitts and receiver David Sills V to get the Falcons in field goal range for Gonzalez to drill a 43-yard game winner.
Cousins finished with 373 yards through the air and three touchdown passes to Pitts, who collected 166 receiving yards from 11 catches.
Postseason Implications
Atlanta improved to 5-9, and their surprise victory of Tampa Bay did a favour for the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers (7-6) now sit atop the NFC South and will face the Buccaneers in two of their last 4 games. Only the team that wins the division is guaranteed a play-off berth.
