Falons target Bengals' passing attack after shutout loss

The Atlanta Falcons face a new test this week in Spain, shifting their focus from weather to one of the NFL's most productive offenses. The team prepares for a Sunday game in Madrid against the Cincinnati Bengals, a matchup that demands a different defensive approach than last week's contest.

The Falcons are coming off a 16-0 loss at Tampa Bay, a game where heavy rain hampered their performance. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. threw four interceptions during that defeat, while the Buccaneers managed to dominate the field without completing a single pass. Coach Kevin Stefanski noted that the league presents unique challenges every week, and he does not expect the same meteorological issues to affect the trip to Europe.

The Bengals arrived in Spain following a 43-36 overtime victory over the Tennessee Titans at home. Quarterback Joe Burrow threw five touchdown passes and ran for a score in that game, extending his season total to 462 yards. This marked his second 400-yard passing game of the year. Wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins each topped 100 receiving yards, a feat they have accomplished four times since 2021.

In that same game against Tennessee, Higgins caught 10 passes for 155 yards and two touchdowns, while Chase added 11 catches for 141 yards and a score. Stefanski described the pair as outstanding playmakers who challenge defenses schematically and individually. He stated that few teams in the league possess skill players of that caliber.

Safety Xavier Watts said the defense has a chip on its shoulder after a strange game in Florida. He emphasized the need to limit explosive plays and create turnovers to disrupt the Bengals' rhythm. On the offensive side, the Falcons seek to return to their normal form after being held scoreless in their last outing.

Wide receiver Jahan Dotson viewed the international trip as a way to reset after the difficult loss. He said the team wants to put the previous game behind them quickly, and traveling to another country provided a helpful change of scenery. Edge rusher James Pearce Jr. returned to practice on Wednesday after missing the first eight games of the season following an arrest. Stefanski said he was still determining how many snaps Pearce would play on Sunday. Linebacker Divine Deablo and running back Brian Robinson were limited in practice, while defensive back Billy Bowman Jr. returned to full participation.

The Falcons will take the field in Madrid on Sunday, looking to stop a high-powered passing attack and erase the memory of their shutout loss in Florida.