Particle.news
Download on the App Store

James Pearce Jr. Sets Falcons Rookie Sack Record, Extends Streak to Six in Win Over Bucs

His surge spotlights Atlanta's costly trade-up for a pass rusher.

Overview

  • Pearce recorded two sacks in Atlanta’s 29-28 comeback over Tampa Bay, giving him eight on the season and moving the Falcons to 5-9.
  • He has a sack in six straight games, the NFL’s longest active streak and, as reported locally, a feat only four rookies have achieved since 1982.
  • With three games remaining, he needs 6.5 sacks to tie Jevon Kearse’s rookie record of 14.5 and seven to break it.
  • Atlanta paid heavily to draft him, sending 2025 second- and seventh-round picks and a 2026 first-rounder to the Rams for Pearce and a 2025 third-round pick.
  • Fans and a Falcons beat writer are touting him as a Defensive Rookie of the Year favorite, even as national attention remains limited.