Kyle Pitts has now scored 14 scores since being drafted as the number four overall pick in the 2021 selection process.
NFL 2025 Season: Week 15
Kyle Pitts registered three touchdowns as the Atlanta Falcons engineered a dramatic comeback to snatch a last-gasp 29-28 triumph over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Placekicker Zane Gonzalez booted a clutch field goal as time expired, while Pitts became only the eighth tight end in NFL history to record three touchdown catches and more than 150 yards through the air in a single game.
After starting the season as one of the NFL's early-season pacesetters, the Buccaneers have now dropped from the top of the AFC South for the first time in 2025, with just 3 games left in the regular campaign.
They currently possess a 7-7 record after losing five of their last six games. This features consecutive home-field defeats in the span of five days to two divisional rivals who are out of postseason contention.
Contest Recap
The Buccaneers opened the scoring with a Sean Tucker score before the Falcons took a 14-13 lead at half-time. This came after Pitts, who came into Thursday's game with just a single score all season, claimed his first two touchdowns.
The home team then surged into a 28-14 advantage early in the fourth period after quarterback Baker Mayfield threw scoring throws to Devin Culp and Chris Godwin Jr.
Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins was starting 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 fourth-quarter comeback of his illustrious career.
Running back Bijan Robinson got into the end zone before Pitts secured his hat-trick. Atlanta subsequently won back possession with under two minutes left on the clock.
And even after being pinned to a difficult third-down situation after recovering his own fumble and a 10-yard infraction, Cousins made key passes to Pitts and wideout David Sills V to position the Falcons in range for Gonzalez to drill a 43-yard game winner.
Cousins ended the day with 373 yards through the air and three scoring passes to Pitts, who collected 166 yards from eleven receptions.
Playoff Ramifications
Atlanta is now 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 final four matchups. Only the team that wins the division is guaranteed a postseason berth.
