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Saturday, October 17, 2026
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Kyle Pitts Hat-Trick Fuels Atlanta Stunning Comeback Win Against Buccaneers.

Kyle Pitts in action during the game.

The star tight end has now recorded 14 scores since being selected as the number four overall pick in the 2021 selection process.

National Football League 2025 Season: Week 15

Kyle Pitts scored three touchdowns as the Atlanta Falcons engineered a late comeback to secure a last-gasp 29-28 triumph over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Kicker Zane Gonzalez booted a clutch field goal as time expired, while Pitts became only the 8th tight end in NFL history to record three touchdown catches and more than 150 yards through the air in a single game.

After beginning the year as one of the NFL's initial leaders, the Buccaneers have now fallen from the summit of the AFC South for the initial time in 2025, with just 3 games left in the regular campaign.

They now hold a 7-7 record after losing five of their last six outings. This features back-to-back home-field losses in the space of 5 days to two divisional rivals who are out of play-off the race.

Contest Recap

The Buccaneers started the scoring with a Sean Tucker touchdown before the Falcons took a 14-13 lead at half-time. This came after Pitts, who entered Thursday's matchup 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 fourth quarter after quarterback Baker Mayfield threw scoring throws to Devin Culp and Chris Godwin Jr.

Veteran signal-caller Kirk Cousins was starting his fourth consecutive start after a season-ending injury to Atlanta's primary quarterback Michael Penix Jr. The veteran then led the Falcons to the 32nd fourth-quarter comeback of his illustrious career.

Tailback Bijan Robinson got into the end zone before Pitts completed his three-touchdown game. Atlanta subsequently won back the ball with less than two minutes remaining.

And even after being backed up to a third and 28 after a fumble recovery and a ten-yard penalty, Cousins completed crucial passes 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 receiving 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 2 of their final four matchups. Only the team that wins the division is guaranteed a play-off berth.

MP
Written by

Michael Phillips

Elena Vance is a passionate esports journalist and former competitive gamer, specializing in UK gaming culture and industry trends.

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