James Pearce Jr. recorded another sack against the Seahawks.
The Atlanta Falcons lost to the Seattle Seahawks by 28 points over the weekend, falling to 4-9 on the season. Sunday’s 37-9 loss officially ended the team’s playoff chances, even though the postseason had realistically been off the table for a few weeks.
However, while the Falcons continue to lose, their rookie class keeps producing. First-round pick James Pearce Jr. finished with another sack in Week 14. It was Pearce’s fifth straight game with a sack, which is the longest current streak in the NFL.
Jalon Walker exited the game early due to a quad injury and did not return. Head coach Raheem Morris said he expects Walker to be back out there in Week 15.
Before we look ahead to Thursday night’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, let’s see what Pro Football Focus had to say about Walker and Pearce following Week 14.
Jalon Walker Week 14 grade: 55.2
Walker played just six defensive snaps against the Seahawks before suffering a quad injury that kept him out for the rest of the game. — Dalton Wasserman, PFF
James Pearce Jr. Week 14 grade: 61.9
Although he is battling through injury as the season wears on, Pearce recorded a sack for the fifth consecutive game in Week 14. It was his only pressure in the game, but he has proven to be a steady force for Atlanta’s pass rush in his rookie season. Pearce now leads all rookies in sacks (seven), while his 33 pressures rank second only to fellow first-rounder Abdul Carter. — Dalton Wasserman, PFF
Third-round pick Xavier Watts did not have his best game on Sunday. Although, in fairness to Watts, the Falcons defense played very well in the first half before the wheels came off in the final two quarters. The former Notre Dame safety recorded a PFF grade of 42.9 in Week 15.
Watts does still lead all rookies with three interceptions this season. Atlanta’s defense has another tough test coming up on Thursday night against Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.