The star tight end has now recorded 14 touchdowns since being selected as the fourth overall pick in the 2021 selection process.
NFL 2025 Campaign: Week 15
Kyle Pitts scored three touchdowns as the Atlanta Falcons engineered a late rally to snatch a nail-biting 29-28 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Placekicker Zane Gonzalez booted a game-winning kick as time expired, while Pitts etched his name as only the 8th tight end in league history to achieve three receiving catches and over 150 receiving yards in a single contest.
After beginning the season as one of the NFL's early-season pacesetters, the Buccaneers have now fallen from the summit of the AFC South for the first time in 2025, with just 3 contests left in the regular season.
They currently possess a 7-7 record after losing five of their last six games. This includes consecutive home-field losses in the space of 5 days to two division opponents who are out of play-off the race.
Contest Summary
The Buccaneers opened the scoring with a Sean Tucker touchdown before the Falcons held a 14-13 lead at half-time. This followed Pitts, who entered Thursday's game with just a single touchdown all year, claimed his first two touchdowns.
The Buccaneers then surged into a 28-14 advantage early in the fourth period after quarterback Baker Mayfield connected on touchdown passes to Devin Culp and Chris Godwin Jr.
Experienced signal-caller Kirk Cousins was making his fourth straight start after a season-ending injury to Atlanta's starting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. The 37-year-old proceeded to guide the Falcons to the thirty-second fourth-quarter comeback of his distinguished NFL tenure.
Running back Bijan Robinson got into the end zone before Pitts completed his three-touchdown game. Atlanta then regained possession with under two minutes remaining.
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 get the Falcons in range for Gonzalez to drill a 43-yard winning field goal.
Cousins ended the day with 373 passing yards and three scoring passes to Pitts, who amassed 166 receiving yards from 11 receptions.
Postseason Implications
Atlanta improved to 5-9, and their upset of Tampa Bay did a favour for the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers (7-6) now sit atop the NFC South and will face the Buccaneers in two of their final four games. Only the team that wins the division is guaranteed a play-off spot.
