The star tight end has now recorded 14 touchdowns since being selected as the number four overall pick in the 2021 draft.
NFL 2025 Campaign: Week 15
Kyle Pitts scored three scores as the Atlanta Falcons engineered a dramatic comeback to secure a last-gasp 29-28 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Kicker Zane Gonzalez booted a clutch kick as time expired, while Pitts etched his name as only the 8th tight end in NFL history to achieve three receiving catches and over 150 yards through the air in a single game.
After starting the year as one of the NFL's early-season pacesetters, the Buccaneers have now dropped from the top of the AFC South for the initial time in 2025, with just 3 games left in the regular campaign.
They now hold a 7-7 mark after losing five of their last six games. This includes back-to-back home defeats in the space of five days to two division rivals who are out of play-off the race.
Contest Summary
The Buccaneers started the scoring with a Sean Tucker score before the Falcons took a 14-13 advantage at half-time. This followed Pitts, who entered Thursday's matchup with just one score all season, claimed his initial pair of touchdowns.
The Buccaneers subsequently raced into a 28-14 lead early in the final quarter after QB Baker Mayfield threw touchdown throws to Devin Culp and Chris Godwin Jr.
Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins was making his fourth consecutive start after a year-ending injury to Atlanta's primary quarterback Michael Penix Jr. The veteran then led the Falcons to the 32nd final period comeback of his distinguished NFL tenure.
Running back 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 despite being pinned to a third and 28 after recovering his own fumble and a ten-yard infraction, Cousins made key passes to Pitts and receiver David Sills V to position the Falcons in field goal range for Gonzalez to kick a 43-yard winning field goal.
Cousins ended the day with 373 yards through the air and three scoring throws to Pitts, who collected 166 yards from 11 catches.
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 lead the NFC South and will face the Buccaneers in two of their final 4 games. Only the division winner is assured a play-off berth.
