The Atlanta Falcons are eliminated from NFL playoff contention.
But that fact isn’t slowing down star tight end Kyle Pitts Sr.
Pitts registered 11 receptions for 166 yards and three touchdowns Thursday night in the Falcons’ 29-28 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Atlanta (5-9) rallied from a 14-point fourth quarter deficit to win the game at the final whistle on a Zane Gonzalez 43-yard field goal.
Pitts, an Abington native and former Archbishop Wood star, is in his 5th season in the NFL. Pitts’ seismic night was the first time a tight end recorded at least 10 catches and 150 yards since Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe did it with the Denver Broncos in 1996.
“It means a lot,” Pitts said about the connection to Sharpe. “It’s a great person to be (compared to).”
The 25-year-old Pitts had his big night back in Florida, where he spent his college years at the University of Florida. He was named a unanimous All-American and won the John Mackey Award in 2020.
Atlanta was playing without leading receiver Drake London.
“It was the plan all along. Kyle is our guy,” second-year Falcons coach Raheem Morris said. “You’re down a couple of your guys like Drake, some of those guys, and Kyle has really filled in that role and become the lead dog guy. He has done an awesome job.”
This Eagles defender was ridiculed. Now, he’s silencing the doubtersDec. 12, 2025, 6:00a.m.Saquon Barkley, Clemson star make friendly wager on Pinstripe BowlDec. 12, 2025, 5:00a.m.Eagles veteran ready to prove he belongs after sitting all year: ‘Nothing surprises me’ Dec. 11, 2025, 7:00a.m.History shows QBs with pedigree of Eagles’ Jalen Hurts usually rebound from slumpsDec. 11, 2025, 6:00a.m.