Latest news with #JamesPearceJr
Fox News
2 days ago
- Sport
- Fox News
Falcons players get into heated training camp fights
Atlanta Falcons players nearly made it a full week without having a fight in training camp as they jockey for position in hopes of making the final 53-man roster before Week 1. As temperatures rise in the hot sun, so do the attitudes on the field. Tempers appeared to boil over on Sunday when several players from the offense and defense had a skirmish. Falcons rookie edge rusher James Pearce Jr. got into it with offensive lineman Matthew Bergeron, whose helmet flew off, according to ESPN. Leonard Floyd and Kaleb McGary were also involved in a separate incident that included Pearce. Some punches were reportedly thrown in the heated battles. Atlanta selected Pearce with the No. 26 overall pick of the draft earlier this year. It's clear he's trying to make an impact off the bat. "We're trying to develop a culture, a style of play for sure, and part of that is the violence with which we play and aggression, the urgency and all that," Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich said, via ESPN. "Today, at times, it went a little too far, and we've got to learn how to manage that. "You're going to get agitated and, especially when you're playing really good defense, the offense is going to get very agitated, so you've got to anticipate punches being thrown, things being said, people getting pushed. In those moments, you got to thrive and not retaliate and so it's a good lesson to be learned today." The passion and intensity from the players is something fans have been dying to see return since Atlanta was in the Super Bowl during the 2016 season. Since then, the Falcons have only made the playoffs once and have only been over .500 once. The Falcons were 8-9 last season as the year sputtered once Kirk Cousins got hurt. The team was sixth in yards gained, 13th in points scored and 23rd in yards and points allowed.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Falcons rookie in spotlight after back-to-back scuffles as pre-draft red flags resurface
The Atlanta Falcons were enthusiastic about how the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft unfolded. However, they made a bold move by trading up for James Pearce Jr., a player with notable character concerns heading into the draft. The decision drew heavy criticism, particularly regarding what the team gave up to acquire him. 'This isn't about the player; it's about the price the Falcons paid to move up for him. Atlanta needed edge rush help and already got some earlier in the round with Jalon Walker. Trading next year's first-round pick to get Pearce felt like a massive overpay,' ESPN's Dan Graziano said. Pearce was a dominant force in college, routinely disrupting opposing offenses. Still, his off-field issues led to a slight draft slide. Former Tennessee Vols writer Wes Rucker called him one of the steals of the draft. 'There aren't 25 players better than James Pearce Jr. in this draft. If he grows up and behaves like a professional, that's a steal of a pick. But he'll have to grow up in Atlanta. So ... we'll see,' Rucker posted. However, after the third day of training camp on Sunday, those character concerns resurfaced. Pearce was involved in two scuffles during practice. 'Rookie James Pearce Jr. was the main character today. He set off two scrums on back-to-back plays — the first going at it with Ryan Neuzil and Matthew Bergeron (who had some words), and the second with Kaleb McGary,' wrote Adnan Ikic of The Falcoholic. Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp During media availability, defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich commented on the defense's intensity that day — a remark that may have been indirectly aimed at Pearce. 'We're trying to develop a culture. And part of that is the violence. Today, it went a little too far,' Ulbrich said. There's no denying Pearce's immense talent, but as a rookie, he can't afford to get into repeated altercations with teammates. One incident can be brushed off; three separate conflicts raise red flags. Pearce is clearly trying to earn playing time, but there are better ways to prove himself than through on-field fights.
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Falcons predicted to trade for $1.25 million Browns run-stopper to add veteran help
The Atlanta Falcons seem to believe they've figured things out offensively with all the essential pieces now in place. That's why they've gone hard the last two years beefing up the other side of the ball. The Falcons have made six draft additions to their defensive front during that span. Last year's additions haven't quite worked out just yet, which is why they used not one, but two first-round picks in this year's draft — selecting Jalon Walker at No. 15 and James Pearce Jr. later at No. 26. Still, some of the Falcons' lingering issues on the defensive front could persist this season. Not only is Atlanta banking on second-year unknowns and rookies, but they'll be without veteran Grady Jarrett, who was cut this offseason. That leaves the door open for veteran help up front. AOL's Jordan O'Malley suggests one last-minute trade the Falcons could make before training camp is acquiring veteran defensive lineman Shelby Harris. 'Harris isn't a star, but he's a dependable veteran run-stopper, and that's exactly what Atlanta lacks in the middle,' O'Malley wrote. 'Atlanta's run defense ranked 26th in 2024, and their current interior group needs more experience. Harris would slot in immediately and bring toughness and leadership to a defensive line that needs both.' Harris will be entering his 11th NFL season. He's compiled 27.5 sacks and five forced fumbles throughout his career. He missed three games last season with an elbow injury. Financially, the move makes sense: the Falcons have just under $5 million in cap space, per Over The Cap, and Harris is owed $1.255 million in 2025. Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp The Falcons' run defense left something to be desired last year. Statistically, they were around league average — ranking 15th in total rushing yards allowed (2,051), and surrendering 120.6 rushing yards per game. But the real problem came in critical moments. Opponents converted third downs 45.3% of the time, ranking Atlanta's defense 31st in the league. Falcons beat writer Tori McElhaney addressed these concerns directly while responding to a fan question about whether the team had done enough to fix its rush defense. 'Truth be told, it is a question I have myself. Because you're right that they are sticking with their own. And their own are in a little bit of uncharted waters at the moment. In fact, there are still a number of questions I have about Orhorhoro and the mantel he will take on in 2025, as well as the defensive front as a whole. Is Orhorhoro ready for the challenge presented? Can Zach Harrison emerge as a trusted playmaker (more on this in the next section)? How do new presences off the edge affect run defense numbers (i.e. how quickly can Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. make their presence known)? If better on first and second down, how does this improve pass rush stats?' Again, all the confidence in the 2025 Falcons is on the offensive side of the ball. The defense — not so much.
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
A Kirk Cousins Countdown, A Defense With A Bite, And Weapons Finally Utilized Proves Vital For The Atlanta Falcons
A Kirk Cousins Countdown, A Defense With A Bite, And Weapons Finally Utilized Proves Vital For The Atlanta Falcons originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Atlanta Falcons have gone all in for the 2025 season, and anything less than a playoff appearance could trigger significant changes across the organization next offseason. Advertisement After Atlanta was aggressive in the 2025 NFL Draft in picking up Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. in the first round, it will look to become more assertive and a turnover-hungry team after falling short in several defensive categories over the past few years. By adding names like Leonard Floyd, Divine Deablo, Xavier Watts, and Billy Bowman in the draft, the Falcons have become a more violent/athletic unit that will look to put more pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Falcons players warm up during the 2025 Atlanta Falcons mini-camp. Dale Zanine-Imagn Images Questions still linger about Kirk Cousins, after he was brought in last offseason to be a bridge to a Super Bowl ring. Although he will be coming off the bench unless Michael Penix Jr. suffers an injury, at least Atlanta still has a quarterback who is considered a top-10 efficient leader with experience, and not to mention, a great teammate to have in the locker room. Most teams would be ecstatic to have Cousins as a backup option. For years, Atlanta has either misused or underutilized its talent, particularly at the wide receiver and tight end positions. That is no longer the case with names like Drake London, Darnell Mooney, Ray-Ray McCloud, and, yes, even Kyle Pitts, scheduled to rack up the targets. Falcons fans can expect more carries from Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier as a two-headed star duo out of the backfield as well. Advertisement The time for Atlanta to win is now; the front office has opened its wallets, the schedule is favorable at specific points, and the NFC South is wide open. On paper, it all means nothing, but regardless of Raheem Morris being a beloved figure in the locker room, unfortunately, his time may dwindle to an end if Atlanta doesn't become a contender soon. Related: Florida Community Honors Michael Penix Jr. By Naming Street After Him Related: Falcons Legend Warrick Dunn Changed Lives On And Off The Field This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 29, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Rookie James Pearce Jr. Is Locked In And Ready To Impress
Rookie James Pearce Jr. Is Locked In And Ready To Impress originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Falcons took a stab in the dark by trading up for an EDGE rusher with the 26th pick and taking the Tennessee standout. As of right now, after OTA's and mandatory camps, all is positive so far when it comes to Pearce and what he brings to the Falcons. Advertisement Pearce impressed everyone at the NFL Combine with an impressive 4.47 second 40-yard dash. At only 21 years old, he looks to have a very bright future in the NFL and will like to make an impact on the Falcons, who have struggled on defense over the last few seasons. Tennessee Volunteers defensive lineman James Pearce Jr. (27) causes a fumble by Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) which Tennessee recovered at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports Head Coach Raheem Morris, has been a fan of Pearce and really appreciates how well he has adjusted to the pros. Morris and Jeff Ulbrich will help Pearce develop and can potentially help him become defensive rookie of the year. The Falcons are hoping to step up defensively this season with Pearce as an EDGE rusher, as well as other young stars like Jalon Walker and Xavier Watts. Pearce has the ability to lead this defense and bring them to the top, even if it takes a few games or a season. Advertisement The 2025 season has a lot in store for not only Pearce, but for the Falcons in general, as they have their most well-rounded roster in years. Many players have now gained more experience, while offseason changes and the draft have helped improve the roster. The pressure that Pearce faces is a bit different, because of the fact that the Falcons traded a first round pick to draft him. Pearce will go into his rookie season with that chip on his shoulder, but so far, he looks calm and ready. Related: Kirk Cousins Is A Big Focus On Netflix's 'Quarterback' Season 2 Related: Predicting Team Awards For The Falcons This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 24, 2025, where it first appeared.
