Atlanta Falcons rookies redefine defense with record-setting performances
The Atlanta Falcons are witnessing a remarkable phenomenon this season: the emergence of two standout rookies, James Pearce Jr. and Xavier Watts, who are not only leading their positions in the NFL but are also reshaping the team’s defensive identity.
Record-breaking performances by Pearce
At the forefront is James Pearce Jr., who has established himself as a force to be reckoned with. With eight sacks, he currently holds the title of the NFL’s rookie leader in that category. His performance has not only impressed fans and analysts alike but has also etched his name into Falcons lore. Pearce has shattered the franchise record for sacks by a first-year player, surpassing the previous mark of 7.0 set by Mike Pitts in 1983, and he accomplished this feat with three games still remaining in the season.
Adding to his accolades, Pearce has recorded a sack in six consecutive games, tying him for the second-longest streak by a rookie pass rusher in NFL history. The only player ahead of him in this regard is Javon Kearse, who managed to sack opponents in eight straight games. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich has acknowledged Pearce’s historic contributions but believes the best is yet to come. “There’s still so much more out there for him,” Ulbrich stated, emphasizing that Pearce is just beginning to tap into his potential.
Despite skepticism from analysts regarding the Falcons’ decision to trade their 2026 first-round pick to select Pearce 26th overall, his on-field performance has quelled much of that doubt. As Pearce continues to evolve, he is fast becoming one of the premier rookie defenders in the league.
Watts shines in the secondary
Complementing Pearce’s achievements is Xavier Watts, another rookie who has made significant strides this season. The Falcons acquired Watts through a third-round pick obtained in the deal to select Pearce, and he has quickly emerged as a vital asset to Atlanta’s defense.
Watts is now only the second rookie since 2017 to record 60 or more tackles alongside three or more interceptions in his debut season. His efforts earned him the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Month award for September, showcasing his impactful presence on the field. Ulbrich holds Watts in high regard, noting, “The beauty of X is he doesn’t… feel like a guy that will never be satisfied; he’s just going to keep pushing to get better. That’s dangerous.”
Watts’ development has been evident as the season progresses. In his last three games combined, he has allowed just 26 total yards, prompting former All-Pro safety Jessie Bates to quip, “At this point, shoot, they got to stop throwing at [Xavier Watts], they can start throwing at me.”
A bright future for the Falcons’ defense
With James Pearce Jr. and Xavier Watts at the helm, the Falcons have discovered a duo of rookies who are not merely bolstering their defense but are also leading their first-year counterparts across the league. Pearce’s name is now inscribed in the franchise’s record books, while Watts continues to solidify his reputation as a reliable playmaker in the secondary.
As the season unfolds, Ulbrich’s evaluations suggest that the true promise of these rookies is not solely based on their current accomplishments but also on the vast potential that lies ahead. With each game, Pearce and Watts are not just playing to prove themselves—they are redefining what it means to be a rookie in the NFL.
