The star tight end has now recorded 14 scores since being selected as the fourth overall pick in the 2021 draft.
NFL 2025 Campaign: Week 15
Kyle Pitts registered three scores as the Atlanta Falcons engineered a dramatic comeback to secure a nail-biting 29-28 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Kicker Zane Gonzalez converted a game-winning kick as time ran out, while Pitts became only the 8th tight end in NFL history to achieve three receiving catches and more than 150 yards through the air in a same contest.
After beginning the season as one of the NFL's early-season pacesetters, the Buccaneers have now dropped from the summit of the AFC South for the first time in 2025, with just 3 games left in the regular season.
They now hold a 7-7 mark after suffering 5 of their last six outings. This includes back-to-back home-field defeats in the space of five days to two division opponents who are out of play-off the race.
Game Summary
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 matchup with just a single score all season, claimed his initial pair of scores.
The Buccaneers then surged into a 28-14 lead early in the final period after QB Baker Mayfield threw touchdown throws to Devin Culp and Chris Godwin Jr.
Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins was making his fourth straight start after a year-ending injury to Atlanta's primary quarterback Michael Penix Jr. The 37-year-old proceeded to guide the Falcons to the thirty-second final period rally of his illustrious NFL tenure.
Tailback Bijan Robinson found the end zone before Pitts secured his hat-trick. Atlanta then regained possession with less than two minutes left on the clock.
And even after being backed up to a third and 28 after recovering his own fumble and a ten-yard infraction, Cousins completed 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 finished with 373 yards through the air and three touchdown throws to Pitts, who amassed 166 yards from eleven receptions.
Playoff Ramifications
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 will face the Buccaneers in two of their last four games. Only the team that wins the division is guaranteed a play-off berth.
