Kyle Pitts has now recorded 14 touchdowns since being selected as the fourth overall pick in the 2021 draft.
NFL 2025 Campaign: Week 15
Kyle Pitts notched three scores as the Atlanta Falcons mounted a dramatic comeback to secure a nail-biting 29-28 triumph over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Kicker Zane Gonzalez converted a clutch kick as time expired, while Pitts etched his name as only the eighth tight end in NFL history to record three touchdown catches and over 150 yards through the air in a single contest.
After beginning the year as one of the NFL's initial pacesetters, the Buccaneers have now dropped from the top of the AFC South for the first time in 2025, with just three games left in the regular campaign.
They currently possess a 7-7 mark after losing five of their last six games. This features consecutive home-field losses in the space of five days to two divisional rivals who are out of postseason the race.
Game Recap
The Buccaneers started the scoring with a Sean Tucker touchdown before the Falcons took a 14-13 advantage at half-time. This followed Pitts, who entered Thursday's game with just a single touchdown all year, claimed his initial pair of touchdowns.
The Buccaneers then surged into a 28-14 lead early in the final period after quarterback Baker Mayfield threw scoring passes to Devin Culp and Chris Godwin Jr.
Experienced signal-caller Kirk Cousins was making his fourth consecutive start after a year-ending injury to Atlanta's primary quarterback Michael Penix Jr. The 37-year-old then led the Falcons to the 32nd final period comeback of his illustrious NFL tenure.
Running back Bijan Robinson found the end zone before Pitts secured his hat-trick. Atlanta then regained possession with under 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 infraction, Cousins completed key passes to Pitts and receiver David Sills V to get the Falcons in range for Gonzalez to kick a 43-yard game winner.
Cousins ended the day with 373 passing yards and three touchdown passes to Pitts, who amassed 166 yards from 11 catches.
Postseason Implications
Atlanta improved to 5-9, and their surprise victory of Tampa Bay greatly helped the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers (7-6) now sit atop the NFC South and will face the Buccaneers in 2 of their final four games. Only the team that wins the division is guaranteed a play-off berth.
