Kyle Pitts has now scored 14 scores since being drafted as the number four overall pick in the 2021 draft.
NFL 2025 Season: Week 15
Kyle Pitts notched three touchdowns as the Atlanta Falcons mounted a dramatic rally to secure a nail-biting 29-28 triumph over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Kicker Zane Gonzalez booted a clutch field goal as time expired, while Pitts etched his name as only the 8th tight end in NFL history to record three receiving catches and over 150 yards through the air in a single game.
After starting the year as one of the NFL's initial pacesetters, the Buccaneers have now fallen from the top of the AFC South for the first time in 2025, with just three contests left in the regular season.
They now hold a 7-7 record after losing five of their previous six games. This features consecutive home-field defeats in the span of 5 days to two division opponents who are out of postseason the race.
Contest Summary
The Buccaneers started the scoring with a Sean Tucker touchdown before the Falcons took a 14-13 advantage at the intermission. This followed Pitts, who came into Thursday's game with just a single score all year, claimed his initial pair of scores.
The home team subsequently raced into a 28-14 lead early in the fourth quarter after QB Baker Mayfield threw scoring throws to Devin Culp and Chris Godwin Jr.
Experienced quarterback Kirk Cousins was making his fourth consecutive start after a season-ending injury to Atlanta's primary quarterback Michael Penix Jr. The 37-year-old proceeded to guide the Falcons to the 32nd final period rally of his distinguished career.
Running back Bijan Robinson got into the end zone before Pitts completed his hat-trick. Atlanta subsequently won back possession with less than two minutes left on the clock.
And even after being backed up to a difficult third-down situation after a fumble recovery and a 10-yard penalty, Cousins completed key passes to Pitts and wideout David Sills V to position the Falcons in range for Gonzalez to kick a 43-yard winning field goal.
Cousins ended the day with 373 yards through the air and three scoring passes to Pitts, who amassed 166 yards from 11 catches.
Postseason Implications
Atlanta improved to 5-9, and their upset of Tampa Bay did a favour for the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers (7-6) now lead the NFC South and are set to face the Buccaneers in two of their final 4 games. Only the division winner is guaranteed a play-off spot.
