Falcons drop 5th game in a row, spoiling another week of player performances

"Pearce has now had sacks in back-to-back games for the first time in his career. Pearce has one of the best pressure rates (11.7%, 3rd best) in his draft class and is now converting those into sacks. He's the complementary pass rusher that the Falcons have been missing. Too often, we would see a QB pressed in the pocket but able to escape unscathed. Now with talent on both edges, we're seeing those opportunities shrink for opposing quarterbacks."

"He's the entire passing attack, and he's still blocking his butt off in the run game. Panthers defenders were beside themselves after being bullied for the whole first half. Unfortunately, with Cousins' return, the lack of success throwing to London came with him. The receiver is now out with an PCL sprain, and at this stage of the season, proceeding with caution is the best call for the team's top receiver."

"Orhorhoro has been tasked with a lot of dirty work this year due to the team's lack of a true nose tackle. When lined up in the B-gap, Orhorhoro has flashed the talent that made the team trade up for him. The Panthers struggled to run the ball at their normal, efficient rate, and Orhorhoro was a big reason why. It was a promising step forward for a defense that needs to get better run defense out of its interior players."

Atlanta has lost five straight games and likely will be without starting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. for the remainder of the season. Pearce has recorded sacks in consecutive games and ranks among his draft class with an 11.7% pressure rate, converting pressures into sacks and helping reduce opposing quarterbacks' escape opportunities. With improved edge talent alongside Walker, Atlanta could increasingly get home with four rushers. London has shouldered the passing attack and blocked in the run game but is sidelined with a PCL sprain. Orhorhoro has shined in the B-gap, aiding interior run defense, while rookie cornerback Brooks endured a difficult outing with turnovers and coverage mistakes.

Read at The Falcoholic