Pitts Hat-Trick Fuels Falcons Stunning Comeback Win Against Buccaneers.

National Football League 2025 Season: Week 15

Kyle Pitts registered three touchdowns as the Atlanta Falcons engineered a dramatic comeback to snatch a last-gasp 29-28 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Kicker Zane Gonzalez converted a clutch kick as time expired, while Pitts became only the eighth tight end in league history to record three touchdown catches and over 150 yards through the air in a same game.

After starting 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 contests left in the regular campaign.

They currently possess a 7-7 record after suffering five of their previous six games. This includes consecutive home defeats in the span of 5 days to two divisional rivals who are out of postseason the race.

Game Recap

The Buccaneers started the scoring with a Sean Tucker touchdown before the Falcons held a 14-13 lead at the intermission. This came after Pitts, who entered Thursday's matchup with just one touchdown all season, claimed his first two touchdowns.

The Buccaneers then surged into a 28-14 lead early in the final quarter after QB Baker Mayfield connected on scoring throws to Devin Culp and Chris Godwin Jr.

Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins was starting his fourth consecutive 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 rally of his illustrious NFL tenure.

Tailback Bijan Robinson got into the end zone before Pitts completed his three-touchdown game. Atlanta subsequently won back the ball with under two minutes left on the clock.

And even after being pinned to a third and 28 after recovering his own fumble and a 10-yard penalty, Cousins made key passes to Pitts and wideout David Sills V to get the Falcons in range for Gonzalez to kick a 43-yard winning field goal.

Cousins ended the day with 373 passing yards and three scoring passes to Pitts, who amassed 166 yards from 11 receptions.

Playoff 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 will face the Buccaneers in two of their final four matchups. Only the division winner is assured a postseason spot.