The star tight end has now scored 14 scores since being drafted as the number four overall pick in the 2021 selection process.
NFL 2025 Season: Week 15
Kyle Pitts scored three touchdowns as the Atlanta Falcons mounted a dramatic rally to snatch a last-gasp 29-28 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Kicker Zane Gonzalez converted 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 receiving yards in a same game.
After beginning the year as one of the NFL's early-season pacesetters, the Buccaneers have now dropped from the summit of the AFC South for the first time in 2025, with just three contests remaining in the regular season.
They currently possess a 7-7 record after suffering 5 of their previous six games. This includes back-to-back home-field defeats in the span of five days to two division opponents who are out of postseason the race.
Game Recap
The Buccaneers started the scoring with a Sean Tucker score before the Falcons took a 14-13 advantage at the intermission. This came after Pitts, who came into Thursday's matchup with just one score all year, claimed his first two touchdowns.
The home team then surged into a 28-14 lead early in the final quarter after quarterback Baker Mayfield connected on scoring throws to Devin Culp and Chris Godwin Jr.
Experienced signal-caller Kirk Cousins was starting his fourth straight start after a year-ending injury to Atlanta's starting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. The veteran proceeded to guide the Falcons to the thirty-second final period rally of his illustrious NFL tenure.
Tailback Bijan Robinson got into the end zone before Pitts completed his hat-trick. Atlanta then regained possession with under two minutes left on the clock.
And even after being pinned to a difficult third-down situation after recovering his own fumble and a ten-yard infraction, Cousins made 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 ended the day with 373 passing yards and three touchdown passes to Pitts, who collected 166 receiving 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 4 matchups. Only the division winner is assured a play-off berth.
