Kyle Pitts Hat-Trick Fuels Falcons Remarkable Fightback Victory Over Tampa Bay.
Kyle Pitts has now scored 14 scores since being drafted 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 late rally to secure a last-gasp 29-28 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Placekicker Zane Gonzalez converted a clutch field goal as time expired, while Pitts became only the 8th tight end in NFL history to record three receiving catches and over 150 yards through the air in a single contest.
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 games remaining in the regular campaign.
They currently possess a 7-7 record after suffering 5 of their last six outings. This features back-to-back home-field defeats in the space of 5 days to two division rivals who are out of play-off contention.
Contest Summary
The Buccaneers opened the scoring with a Sean Tucker touchdown before the Falcons held a 14-13 advantage at half-time. This followed Pitts, who entered Thursday's game with just a single score all season, hauled in 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 touchdown throws to Devin Culp and Chris Godwin Jr.
Veteran signal-caller Kirk Cousins was starting his fourth consecutive start after a year-ending injury to Atlanta's primary quarterback Michael Penix Jr. The 37-year-old then led the Falcons to the 32nd final period comeback of his distinguished NFL tenure.
Running back Bijan Robinson got into the end zone before Pitts secured his hat-trick. Atlanta then regained possession with under two minutes remaining.
And even after being backed up to a third and 28 after recovering his own fumble and a ten-yard infraction, Cousins completed key passes to Pitts and wideout David Sills V to position the Falcons in range for Gonzalez to drill a 43-yard winning field goal.
Cousins ended the day with 373 passing yards and three touchdown throws to Pitts, who amassed 166 receiving yards from eleven receptions.
Postseason Ramifications
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 two of their final four games. Only the team that wins the division is guaranteed a postseason spot.