Falcons Shock Buccaneers in Tampa: Kyle Pitts Scores 3 TDs and Walk Off Field Goal Caps Stunning Comeback
The Atlanta Falcons delivered one of the most dramatic wins of the NFL season, rallying from a 14 point fourth quarter deficit to defeat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 29 28 on Thursday Night Football.
With playoff implications on the line and the NFC South tightening, Atlanta stayed alive thanks to a historic night from Kyle Pitts and a clutch, game winning kick as time expired.
This matchup had everything: explosive plays, momentum swings, late game chaos, and a finish that shook the division standings heading into the weekend.
Kyle Pitts Dominates With a Career Night
Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts put on an absolute clinic, recording three touchdown receptions and proving unstoppable against Tampa Bay’s secondary.
Every big moment seemed to involve Pitts, who consistently found soft spots in coverage and turned contested catches into game changing plays.
His performance was not only a career highlight, but also one of the most impactful TE outings of the season.
Pitts’ Final Stat Line:
- 3 touchdowns
- Multiple explosive plays
- Major impact in the 4th quarter comeback
When the Falcons needed a spark, Pitts brought the fire.
Kirk Cousins Leads With Precision and Poise
Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins delivered one of his best games in a Falcons uniform. He kept the offense balanced, spread the ball efficiently, and made the biggest throws when it mattered most.
Cousins’ Final Stats:
- 30/44 passing
- 373 yards
- 3 TDs
His chemistry with Pitts was undeniable, and his calm leadership during the late game drive helped set up the winning kick.
Buccaneers Build Then Lose a 14 Point Lead
For three quarters, it looked like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were in complete control.
Baker Mayfield connected with Devin Culp and Chris Godwin Jr. for two strong TDs, while the defense held Atlanta in check early.
But the wheels came off in the fourth quarter.
Mayfield’s Final Stats:
- 19/34 passing
- 277 yards
- 2 TDs
- 1 INT
The Buccaneers’ defense allowed explosive plays late, struggled in man coverage, and could not contain Pitts down the stretch. What felt like a secure win quickly turned into a collapse.
Zane Gonzalez Drills the 43 Yard Walk Off Field Goal
With just seconds left and the pressure at its peak, Falcons kicker Zane Gonzalez stepped up and delivered a 43 yard walk off field goal that silenced Raymond James Stadium.
The Falcons’ sideline erupted as the kick sailed through the uprights, completing one of the most thrilling comeback wins of the season.
NFC South Standings Take a Dramatic Turn
This game didn’t just change the night it changed the division.
- Carolina Panthers move into first place.
- Tampa Bay drops after a crushing home loss.
- Atlanta stays alive and gains huge momentum as the playoff race tightens.
With key divisional matchups ahead, every win matters, and this one could define Atlanta’s season.
What This Means for Both Teams Moving Forward
For the Falcons:
- Kyle Pitts looks fully healthy and unstoppable.
- Cousins is playing high level football.
- The team proved it can rally under pressure.
- Momentum is now firmly on their side.
For the Buccaneers:
- Fourth quarter defensive issues remain a major concern.
- Allowing a 14 point lead to slip away raises red flags.
- Coverage breakdowns against elite tight ends continue to be a weakness.
- Playoff positioning just became much more complicated.
