Here's What Should Scare the Bengals About the Falcons

The Cincinnati Bengals are up against the 3-5 Atlanta Falcons in Week 9 in Madrid. Cincinnati’s three-game winning streak and one of the league’s top offenses show just how dangerous Zac Taylor’s squad can be. The Falcons, meanwhile, have struggled with turnovers, third downs, and Michael Penix Jr.’s inconsistency, making them look like an easy target for the Bengals.

Still, Cincinnati can’t afford to take their foot off the gas, because one bad afternoon could bring their three-game winning streak to an end. Here’s what should scare the Bengals about the Falcons.

James Pearce Jr.’s Return Strengthens Atlanta’s Pass Rush

The Falcons are getting some much-needed help on the defensive front ahead of their game against Cincinnati. James Pearce Jr., who missed Atlanta’s first eight games while serving an NFL suspension, is back in the picture for Madrid.

The first-round pick made quite an impression as a rookie last season, leading the team with 10.5 sacks. That’s not an easy production gap to fill, and Atlanta has certainly missed having him around.

The Falcons have recorded 18 sacks this season, but there’s a difference between getting pressure and actually bringing the quarterback down. They’re fourth in the league in pressure rate at 46.2%, yet rank 20th in sack rate. Pearce could be the missing piece there, as he showed last year that he knows how to finish plays. 

He was listed as a full participant in Atlanta’s November 4 walkthrough, although that doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll have a full workload. Atlanta may limit his snaps heading into Week 9, since he hasn’t played a single game this season.

Either way, his return gives Burrow another pass rusher to keep an eye on, and the Bengals’ offensive line will have its hands full if Pearce is ready to go.

Bijan Robinson Could Exploit Cincinnati’s Defensive Weakness

The Bengals have another headache to deal with in Bijan Robinson. The Falcons running back has been tearing through defenses, leading the NFL with 780 rushing yards on 150 carries through eight games. He’s averaging 5.2 yards per carry and has added four rushing touchdowns. His 983 total yards from scrimmage also rank fourth in the league, so Atlanta doesn’t have to look far to find its biggest offensive weapon.

Robinson has been a nightmare for defenders trying to bring him down, forcing 30 missed tackles this season. Green Bay and New Orleans have already felt the damage, giving up 194 and 145 rushing yards to him, respectively. The Bengals will have to keep an eye on him wherever he lines up.