The star tight end has now scored 14 touchdowns since being selected as the fourth overall pick in the 2021 selection process.
NFL 2025 Campaign: Week 15
Kyle Pitts registered three touchdowns as the Atlanta Falcons engineered a dramatic comeback to snatch a last-gasp 29-28 triumph over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Placekicker Zane Gonzalez converted a clutch field goal as time ran out, while Pitts etched his name as only the 8th tight end in league history to achieve three touchdown catches and over 150 receiving yards in a same game.
After starting the year as one of the NFL's early-season leaders, the Buccaneers have now dropped from the top of the AFC South for the first time in 2025, with just 3 contests remaining in the regular campaign.
They now hold a 7-7 record after losing 5 of their last six outings. This features back-to-back home defeats in the space of 5 days to two divisional opponents who are eliminated from play-off the race.
Contest Recap
The Buccaneers opened the scoring with a Sean Tucker touchdown before the Falcons held a 14-13 lead at the intermission. This followed Pitts, who entered Thursday's matchup with just one score all year, claimed his first two touchdowns.
The home team subsequently raced into a 28-14 lead early in the final quarter after QB Baker Mayfield connected on touchdown passes to Devin Culp and Chris Godwin Jr.
Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins was starting his fourth straight start after a season-ending injury to Atlanta's primary quarterback Michael Penix Jr. The veteran then led the Falcons to the 32nd fourth-quarter rally of his distinguished NFL tenure.
Running back Bijan Robinson found the end zone before Pitts completed his hat-trick. Atlanta then regained possession with less than two minutes remaining.
And even after being pinned to a third and 28 after a fumble recovery and a ten-yard penalty, Cousins made key passes to Pitts and wideout David Sills V to get the Falcons in range for Gonzalez to kick a 43-yard game winner.
Cousins finished with 373 passing yards and three touchdown throws to Pitts, who collected 166 receiving yards from 11 receptions.
Playoff Implications
Atlanta is now 5-9, and their upset of Tampa Bay greatly helped the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers (7-6) now sit atop the NFC South and are set to face the Buccaneers in 2 of their last 4 matchups. Only the division winner is guaranteed a postseason berth.
