TAMPA, Fla. — Take a bow, Kyle Pitts Sr.
The Atlanta Falcons tight end caught 11 of his 12 targets for 166 yards and three touchdowns in Thursday’s win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium.
“That’s great,” Pitts said. “Love scoring, love contributing to this offense and this team. I’m glad I could help enough to get a win.”
Pitts did more than enough.
Not only were all his marks career highs, Pitts’ 166 receiving yards were the most by any tight end in a single game this season. His three receiving touchdowns tied for most in the same regard.
Even more so, Pitts is only the second player in NFL history to have at least 10 receptions for 150 yards and three touchdowns in a Thursday game.
“Kyle continues to be a great talent when it comes to his ability to separate and run,” Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins said. “Obviously, he’s a big frame, and Zac (Robinson, offensive coordinator) did a great job designing, especially on a short week, ways to get Kyle opportunities.”
Pitts’ first touchdown came in the second quarter. It was an 8-yard reception. Then, before halftime, he scored on a 17-yard reception. His third and final touchdown happened in the fourth quarter. It was a 7-yard reception that actually had to be reviewed. Officials needed to confirm Pitts was in-bounds for it to be a complete pass. He was.
Ultimately, it appeared as though Pitts landed on his rear end before bouncing outside of the end zone.
“I definitely thought I got the second foot down,” Pitts said. “I didn’t know it was my (butt) cheek, but that helped a lot. The tight end gods. It’s like last year. I kind of got away with one last year. But the tight ends gods. Just Lord, he let me get that third one in.”