"Pearce has been under a microscope since April, with the initial reaction to the trade that brought him in being that the former Tennessee standout wasn't worth the price. Pearce responded by leading all rookies in sacks with 10.5 and became the first rookie since Micah Parsons to crack double digits. Pearce was also one of 15 players in the entire league to cross that mark."
"In the final month of the season, it looked like Pearce had put it all together. He's no brick wall in the run game, but he's become more impactful and less of a liability in that area. He won on his own and through scheme design, and he shouldn't be penalized for the latter. Falcons fans know better than anyone that running a specific scheme doesn't magically fix all your problems; you need the right pieces in place to make it work."
James Pearce Jr. won the NFC Defensive Rookie of the Month after a rookie season highlighted by 10.5 sacks. The Falcons rookie led all rookies in sacks and became the first rookie since Micah Parsons to reach double digits, ranking among 15 players leaguewide with that mark. Early doubts about the trade faded as Pearce improved, especially in the final month, reducing his run-game liability and increasing overall impact. Success arrived through both individual play and scheme design, aided by added talent across the line. Year one is a success; Pearce must develop one-on-one skills but projects as a high-upside young defender.
Read at The Falcoholic
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