On Thursday Night Football, the Atlanta Falcons pulled off one of the most incredible comebacks of the 2025 NFL season, defeating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 29-28 at Raymond James Stadium. What made the victory even more impressive was not just the final score, but how Atlanta pulled it off. Trailing by 14 scores late, loaded with a franchise-record 19 penalties, and facing long odds, the Falcons refused to give up and delivered a dramatic conclusion that will be remembered all season.
Kirk Cousins and Kyle Pitts: A Dynamic Duo Shines
At the heart of the Falcons’ comeback was veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, who delivered a masterful performance under pressure. Cousins completed **30 of 44 passes for 373 yards and three touchdown passes — all to tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. — sparking Atlanta’s rally from a double-digit deficit.
Pitts, who has emerged as one of the league’s most dynamic tight ends, had a career night. His 11 receptions accounted for 166 yards and all three of his touchdowns, making him the go-to target in clutch moments and propelling the Falcons back into the contest.
Atlanta’s offense looked re-energized late — particularly after falling behind 28–14 early in the fourth quarter — as the tandem of Cousins and Pitts turned the tide when it mattered most.
Penalty Problems and a Wild Ride
If chaos is the measure of drama, this game has enough of it. The Falcons were called 19 times for 125 yards, the highest penalties in a single game this season for the team. Despite continually harming themselves with mistakes, such as holding calls and inefficiencies on special teams, Atlanta managed to stay in the battle.
However, there was mercy where there appeared to be none. Even as mistakes accumulated, Cousins calmly guided important drives, culminating in a gutsy fourth-and-14 conversion late in the game, which set up the game-winning kick.
Dramatic Finish: Walk-Off Glory
With the clock winding down, the Falcons had one final shot. After moving into field goal range, Zane Gonzalez delivered his moment of glory with a 43-yard from goal as time expired, capping the comeback and eliciting wild celebrations in Atlanta.
Such a finish is unusual in the NFL, and it is even more stunning given the backdrop of missed opportunities and self-inflicted mistakes earlier in the game. It was the ideal conclusion to a terrific evening.
Buccaneers: A Case of What Might Have Been
The Buccaneers’ devastating setback might last well into the summer. Tampa Bay took an early lead behind Baker Mayfield, who threw for 277 yards and two touchdowns. They controlled the first three quarters and even extended their lead to 28-14 entering the fourth.
Early on, the Bucs did everything right, including moving the ball, scoring touchdowns, and playing inspired football in their pursuit of the NFC South title. Even the return of star wide receiver Mike Evans, who finished with 132 receiving yards, was insufficient to stem the comeback tide.
But turnovers and late defensive lapses, including a costly fourth-quarter interception, shifted momentum. Baker Mayfield’s interception late in the game helped swing the field in Atlanta’s favor and gave the Falcons extra life.
The result dropped the Buccaneers to 7–7, complicating their playoff hopes and putting added pressure on upcoming division matchups.
What This Means Moving Forward
This game was about more than one victory. For the Falcons (now 5-9), it was a rare highlight in an adversity-filled season — and it demonstrated the resilience that remains on this club. Cousins demonstrated experienced calmness, Pitts exhibited All-Pro promise, and Atlanta demonstrated that even dirty football can create exhilarating results.
For the Buccaneers, the loss serves as a wakeup call. Once in command of their division, they now face a more difficult path to the playoffs and must improve late-game execution if they are to avoid a repeat of this painful collapse.
Final Score: Falcons 29, Buccaneers 28 — a game that will long be remembered for grit, controversy, and one unforgettable kick.