Kyle Pitts has now scored 14 touchdowns since being drafted as the fourth overall pick in the 2021 selection process.
NFL 2025 Campaign: The fifteenth week
Kyle Pitts scored three scores as the Atlanta Falcons mounted a late rally to snatch a nail-biting 29-28 triumph over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Kicker Zane Gonzalez booted a clutch field goal as time ran out, while Pitts became only the 8th tight end in league history to record three touchdown catches and over 150 yards through the air in a same contest.
After beginning the season as one of the NFL's initial leaders, 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 now hold a 7-7 record after suffering 5 of their last six games. This includes consecutive home defeats in the space of five days to two divisional rivals who are eliminated from postseason the race.
Game Recap
The Buccaneers started the scoring with a Sean Tucker touchdown before the Falcons held a 14-13 advantage at the intermission. This followed Pitts, who entered Thursday's game with just one score all season, claimed his initial pair of touchdowns.
The home team subsequently raced into a 28-14 lead early in the fourth quarter after quarterback Baker Mayfield threw touchdown throws to Devin Culp and Chris Godwin Jr.
Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins was starting his fourth straight start after a year-ending injury to Atlanta's starting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. The veteran then led the Falcons to the 32nd fourth-quarter comeback of his illustrious NFL tenure.
Running back Bijan Robinson got into the end zone before Pitts secured his hat-trick. Atlanta then regained possession with under two minutes remaining.
And even after being pinned to a third and 28 after a fumble recovery and a ten-yard penalty, Cousins completed crucial throws 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 touchdown throws to Pitts, who amassed 166 receiving yards from 11 receptions.
Playoff Ramifications
Atlanta is now 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 will face the Buccaneers in 2 of their final four matchups. Only the division winner is assured a play-off berth.
