Kyle Pitts has now scored 14 scores since being drafted as the number four overall pick in the 2021 draft.
National Football League 2025 Season: Week 15
Kyle Pitts notched three scores as the Atlanta Falcons mounted a dramatic comeback to secure a last-gasp 29-28 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Kicker Zane Gonzalez converted a clutch kick as time expired, while Pitts became only the eighth tight end in league history to record three touchdown catches and more than 150 yards through the air in a single game.
After starting the season as one of the NFL's initial leaders, the Buccaneers have now dropped from the summit of the AFC South for the first time in 2025, with just 3 contests left in the regular campaign.
They currently possess a 7-7 mark after suffering five of their last six outings. This includes consecutive home-field losses in the span of five days to two division rivals who are out of play-off contention.
Contest Summary
The Buccaneers started the scoring with a Sean Tucker score before the Falcons took a 14-13 advantage at half-time. This came after Pitts, who entered Thursday's matchup with just one score all year, hauled in his first two scores.
The Buccaneers subsequently raced into a 28-14 lead early in the fourth period after quarterback Baker Mayfield connected on scoring throws to Devin Culp and Chris Godwin Jr.
Veteran signal-caller Kirk Cousins was starting his fourth consecutive start after a year-ending injury to Atlanta's starting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. The 37-year-old then led the Falcons to the thirty-second fourth-quarter comeback of his distinguished career.
Tailback Bijan Robinson found the end zone before Pitts secured his hat-trick. Atlanta subsequently won back possession with under two minutes remaining.
And even after being backed up to a third and 28 after a fumble recovery and a 10-yard infraction, Cousins made key throws to Pitts and receiver David Sills V to position the Falcons in range for Gonzalez to drill a 43-yard game winner.
Cousins ended the day with 373 yards through the air and three scoring throws to Pitts, who collected 166 yards from eleven catches.
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 will face the Buccaneers in two of their last 4 matchups. Only the team that wins the division is assured a postseason spot.
