The star tight end has now scored 14 scores since being drafted as the fourth overall pick in the 2021 selection process.
NFL 2025 Campaign: Week 15
Kyle Pitts notched three scores as the Atlanta Falcons engineered a late rally to secure a last-gasp 29-28 triumph over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Placekicker Zane Gonzalez booted a game-winning kick as time ran out, while Pitts became only the eighth tight end in NFL history to achieve three receiving catches and more than 150 receiving yards in a single contest.
After beginning the season as one of the NFL's early-season pacesetters, the Buccaneers have now dropped from the top of the AFC South for the first time in 2025, with just 3 games remaining in the regular season.
They now hold a 7-7 record after losing five of their previous six outings. This includes back-to-back home-field losses in the space of five days to two division rivals who are eliminated from postseason contention.
Game Summary
The Buccaneers opened the scoring with a Sean Tucker score 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 season, claimed his first two touchdowns.
The home team then surged into a 28-14 advantage early in the fourth period after quarterback Baker Mayfield threw scoring throws to Devin Culp and Chris Godwin Jr.
Experienced signal-caller Kirk Cousins was making 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 completed his three-touchdown game. Atlanta subsequently won back possession with less than two minutes remaining.
And despite being backed up to a difficult third-down situation after a fumble recovery and a 10-yard infraction, Cousins completed crucial throws to Pitts and receiver David Sills V to get the Falcons in range for Gonzalez to drill a 43-yard game winner.
Cousins finished with 373 yards through the air and three scoring throws to Pitts, who amassed 166 yards from eleven catches.
Postseason Implications
Atlanta improved to 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 are set to face the Buccaneers in 2 of their last four games. Only the team that wins the division is assured a play-off spot.
