The star tight end has now recorded 14 scores since being selected as the fourth overall pick in the 2021 selection process.
NFL 2025 Season: Week 15
Kyle Pitts registered three touchdowns as the Atlanta Falcons engineered a late rally to secure a last-gasp 29-28 triumph over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Kicker Zane Gonzalez booted a game-winning field goal as time expired, while Pitts became only the eighth tight end in league history to achieve three touchdown 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 first time in 2025, with just three games left in the regular season.
They now hold a 7-7 record after losing 5 of their last six outings. This features back-to-back home-field defeats in the space of five days to two division rivals who are eliminated from play-off contention.
Game Summary
The Buccaneers opened the scoring with a Sean Tucker touchdown before the Falcons held a 14-13 advantage at the intermission. This came after Pitts, who came into Thursday's game with just a single score all year, claimed his initial pair of scores.
The home team subsequently raced into a 28-14 advantage early in the fourth period after quarterback Baker Mayfield threw scoring passes 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 primary quarterback Michael Penix Jr. The veteran proceeded to guide the Falcons to the 32nd fourth-quarter comeback of his distinguished NFL tenure.
Tailback Bijan Robinson found the end zone before Pitts secured his hat-trick. Atlanta then regained possession with under two minutes remaining.
And despite being backed up to a third and 28 after recovering his own fumble and a 10-yard infraction, Cousins completed key throws to Pitts and receiver David Sills V to get the Falcons in field goal range for Gonzalez to drill a 43-yard game winner.
Cousins finished with 373 passing yards and three scoring throws to Pitts, who collected 166 yards from 11 catches.
Postseason Ramifications
Atlanta improved to 5-9, and their surprise victory of Tampa Bay greatly helped the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers (7-6) now lead the NFC South and will face the Buccaneers in two of their last four matchups. Only the team that wins the division is assured a postseason spot.
