Kirk Cousins Leads Falcons to Dramatic Comeback Victory Over Buccaneers

Kirk Cousins led a thrilling comeback for the Atlanta Falcons, throwing three touchdown passes to Kyle Pitts Sr., culminating in a dramatic 29-28 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday night.

The Falcons, overcoming a franchise-record 19 penalties and a 28-14 deficit in the fourth quarter, saw Cousins complete crucial passes, including a 14-yard throw to Pitts and a 20-yard connection on a fourth-and-14 to David Sills V, setting up a game-winning 43-yard field goal by Zane Gonzalez as time expired.

Cousins, who has dominated the Buccaneers since joining Atlanta, finished the game with 373 yards on 30 of 44 passing, while Pitts became the first tight end since Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe to record 150 yards and three touchdowns in a single game, finishing with 11 catches for 166 yards.

Baker Mayfield's late-game interception sealed the Buccaneers' fifth loss in six games, further jeopardizing their playoff hopes, as they fell behind in the NFC South race. The Buccaneers, wearing their Creamsicle jerseys to commemorate the anniversary of their first win, faced boos from the home crowd and were left to reflect on missed opportunities and costly mistakes.

Coach Todd Bowles expressed frustration over the team's lack of effort and accountability following the game, while Mayfield took responsibility for the loss, indicating it would haunt him. The Falcons, now at 5-9, will face the Arizona Cardinals next, while the Buccaneers, at 7-7, have crucial matchups against the Carolina Panthers ahead.