Nov 3, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon before the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Arizona Cardinals at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
GLENDALE – In the Arizona Cardinals home finale, head coach Jonathan Gannon sees a massive hurdle for the team to overcome to leave Sunday with the win. In Week 16, Arizona faces off against the Atlanta Falcons, who are second in the league for sacks per game. Atlanta has a young, but fierce pass rush that has bulldozed past teams.
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Last week, Gannon’s squad faced off against the ninth-best sacks team in the NFL and only allowed two sacks. Even with all the shifts in the Cardinals offensive line, the unit handled a talented pass rush with ease, something Gannon believes can happen again on Sunday.
Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon walks the sidelines as his team plays the Jacksonville Jaguars at State Farm Stadium on Nov. 23, 2025. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Gannon on Atlanta’s pass rush:
“They design things different. They align people different. They play with different body types than Houston. I think it’s going to be key for us to identify who is in the game, [and] apply our rules that way. They got some talented guys. What pop off the tapes for me, and credit to coach [Raheem] Morris and [defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich], is how hard they play. A lot of their sacks come from the quarterback having to hold it for a second and they win on that second part of the rush.”
Oct 19, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive end James Pearce Jr. (27) during halftime against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
The Falcons top four sacks leaders are 24 years old or younger. Rookie edge rusher James Pearce leads the team with eight sacks, with second-year fourth-round pick Brandon Dourlus just behind him with seven. Pearce and Dourlus are a nice contrast of style. Pearce is 6’5, 243 pounds, possessing the size and power to run over guys but maintains enough finesses at such a young age. Dourlus is a 300-pounder that clogs up the middle with his frame and overwhelms offensive lineman.
Arizona will be without their top offensive lineman in Paris Johnson Jr. this week and could be the death blow. Gannon was proud of the OL last week and competing despite the lack of reps together. After getting their feet wet last week, the Cardinals OL will have its toughest test against the Falcons in the home finale.
Encouraging update for Cardinals WR Marvin Harrison Jr. towards a Week 16 return
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
