Falcons Spoil Buccaneers’ Playoff Hopes with Walk-Off Field Goal After Kyle Pitts’ Three-Touchdown Masterclass
TAMPA, Fla. — In a thrilling NFC South showdown on Thursday night, the Atlanta Falcons stunned the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a last-second field goal, sealing a 29-28 victory that dealt a major blow to the Bucs’ playoff aspirations. The Falcons, already eliminated from postseason contention, played spoiler behind a career night from tight end Kyle Pitts, who hauled in three touchdown passes and amassed 166 receiving yards.
Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins orchestrated a clutch game-winning drive capped by Zane Gonzalez’s walk-off field goal, demonstrating poise under pressure that kept Atlanta competitive despite their 5-9 record. The victory dropped Tampa Bay to 7-7, complicating their path to the playoffs as they suffer back-to-back losses.
Coming into the game, much attention was focused on the return of veteran Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans, sidelined since Week 4 with a collarbone injury. Evans did not disappoint, catching six passes for 132 yards and serving as quarterback Baker Mayfield’s primary target. However, Evans’ impressive performance paled in comparison to the Falcons’ Kyle Pitts, who stepped up in the absence of star wideout Drake London.
The 6-foot-6 tight end quickly became Cousins’ favorite target, connecting on 11 receptions including three touchdowns. One of Pitts’ most memorable catches came late in the game during a critical two-point conversion attempt. After Mayfield threw an interception to Dee Alford, Cousins led the Falcons downfield and found Pitts in the end zone. A video review was necessary to confirm the touchdown, as officials had to determine if Pitts stayed in bounds. Ultimately, the call stood, with Pitts’ backside hitting the turf in bounds just in time.
Despite the Falcons’ successful two-point conversion, the Buccaneers still held a narrow lead and needed a defensive stop. Tampa Bay’s defense pressured Cousins, forcing an incomplete pass on the subsequent play. However, the Falcons’ resilience shone through as Gonzalez’s field goal in the final seconds clinched the win.
The game was played at Raymond James Stadium, where the Buccaneers hoped to capitalize on home-field advantage. Instead, the Falcons’ spirited performance, led by Pitts and Cousins, dashed Tampa Bay’s hopes of securing the division crown.
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As the season approaches its final stretch, Tampa Bay’s playoff picture has become increasingly precarious. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the Buccaneers attempt to rebound in upcoming games. The Falcons, meanwhile, will look to build on this momentum despite their eliminated status.
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