Kyle Pitts has now recorded 14 touchdowns since being drafted as the fourth overall pick in the 2021 selection process.
NFL 2025 Campaign: Week 15
Kyle Pitts scored three scores as the Atlanta Falcons mounted a late comeback to secure a last-gasp 29-28 triumph over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Kicker Zane Gonzalez booted a clutch kick as time expired, while Pitts etched his name as only the 8th tight end in NFL history to achieve three receiving catches and over 150 receiving yards in a single game.
After starting the season as one of the NFL's initial leaders, the Buccaneers have now fallen from the summit of the AFC South for the first time in 2025, with just 3 contests remaining in the regular campaign.
They currently possess a 7-7 record after losing five of their previous six outings. This includes back-to-back home losses in the span of five 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 came after Pitts, who came into Thursday's game with just one touchdown all season, claimed his first two touchdowns.
The Buccaneers subsequently raced into a 28-14 advantage early in the final quarter after QB Baker Mayfield connected on scoring throws to Devin Culp and Chris Godwin Jr.
Experienced quarterback Kirk Cousins was making his fourth consecutive start after a year-ending injury to Atlanta's starting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. The veteran then led the Falcons to the 32nd final period rally of his illustrious career.
Running back Bijan Robinson found the end zone before Pitts completed his three-touchdown game. Atlanta then regained the ball with less than two minutes remaining.
And even after being backed up to a third and 28 after a fumble recovery and a 10-yard infraction, Cousins made crucial throws to Pitts and receiver David Sills V to get the Falcons in field goal range for Gonzalez to kick a 43-yard game winner.
Cousins ended the day with 373 passing yards and three scoring throws to Pitts, who collected 166 receiving yards from 11 receptions.
Postseason Implications
Atlanta improved to 5-9, and their upset of Tampa Bay greatly helped the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers (7-6) now sit atop the NFC South and are set to face the Buccaneers in 2 of their final four games. Only the division winner is guaranteed a postseason spot.
