The star tight end has now scored 14 scores since being drafted as the number four overall pick in the 2021 draft.
NFL 2025 Season: Week 15
Kyle Pitts scored three scores as the Atlanta Falcons mounted a dramatic comeback to snatch a last-gasp 29-28 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Placekicker Zane Gonzalez converted a clutch kick as time ran out, while Pitts became only the 8th tight end in league history to achieve three receiving catches and over 150 receiving yards in a same game.
After beginning the season as one of the NFL's initial leaders, the Buccaneers have now fallen from the top of the AFC South for the initial time in 2025, with just 3 contests remaining in the regular season.
They currently possess a 7-7 mark after suffering five of their last six outings. This includes back-to-back home defeats in the span of 5 days to two divisional opponents who are eliminated from postseason contention.
Contest Summary
The Buccaneers opened the scoring with a Sean Tucker touchdown before the Falcons took a 14-13 lead at half-time. This came after Pitts, who entered Thursday's game with just a single score all season, hauled in his initial pair of touchdowns.
The home team subsequently raced into a 28-14 lead early in the fourth quarter after QB Baker Mayfield connected on scoring passes to Devin Culp and Chris Godwin Jr.
Experienced signal-caller Kirk Cousins was making his fourth consecutive start after a season-ending injury to Atlanta's primary quarterback Michael Penix Jr. The veteran then led the Falcons to the thirty-second final period rally of his distinguished career.
Tailback Bijan Robinson found the end zone before Pitts secured his hat-trick. Atlanta subsequently won back the ball with less than two minutes remaining.
And even after being pinned to a third and 28 after a fumble recovery and a 10-yard infraction, Cousins completed crucial throws to Pitts and wideout David Sills V to get the Falcons in range for Gonzalez to kick a 43-yard winning field goal.
Cousins ended the day with 373 yards through the air and three touchdown throws to Pitts, who amassed 166 yards from 11 receptions.
Playoff Implications
Atlanta is now 5-9, and their surprise victory 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 final four matchups. Only the team that wins the division is assured a play-off spot.
