Kyle Pitts has now recorded 14 scores since being drafted as the number four overall pick in the 2021 draft.
National Football League 2025 Campaign: The fifteenth week
Kyle Pitts notched three touchdowns as the Atlanta Falcons mounted a late rally to snatch a last-gasp 29-28 triumph over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Placekicker Zane Gonzalez converted a game-winning field goal as time ran out, while Pitts became only the eighth tight end in league history to achieve three receiving catches and over 150 receiving yards in a same game.
After beginning the year as one of the NFL's initial leaders, the Buccaneers have now fallen from the top of the AFC South for the first time in 2025, with just 3 games remaining in the regular campaign.
They currently possess a 7-7 record after losing five of their previous six games. This features consecutive home-field defeats in the space of five days to two divisional opponents who are out of play-off the race.
Contest Summary
The Buccaneers opened the scoring with a Sean Tucker touchdown before the Falcons took a 14-13 advantage at the intermission. This followed Pitts, who entered Thursday's game with just a single touchdown all season, hauled in his first two touchdowns.
The home team then surged into a 28-14 advantage early in the final quarter after QB Baker Mayfield connected on touchdown throws to Devin Culp and Chris Godwin Jr.
Experienced signal-caller Kirk Cousins was making his fourth straight start after a year-ending injury to Atlanta's starting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. The 37-year-old then led the Falcons to the 32nd final period rally of his distinguished NFL tenure.
Running back Bijan Robinson got into the end zone before Pitts completed his hat-trick. Atlanta subsequently won back possession with less than two minutes remaining.
And even after being backed up to a third and 28 after recovering his own fumble and a 10-yard infraction, Cousins completed crucial throws to Pitts and wideout David Sills V to get the Falcons in field goal range for Gonzalez to kick a 43-yard game winner.
Cousins finished with 373 yards through the air and three touchdown throws to Pitts, who collected 166 receiving yards from 11 receptions.
Postseason 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 lead the NFC South and are set to face the Buccaneers in two of their last 4 games. Only the team that wins the division is guaranteed a postseason spot.
