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The Atlanta Falcons fell short against the New England Patriots last weekend, but there were some clear bright spots in Sunday's 24-23 loss. After missing the previous two games, Falcons first-round pick Jalon Walker returned in Week 9 and made his presence felt.
The former University of Georgia standout recorded five tackles and two sacks against the Patriots. Walker's stellar performance helped him take home the prestigious Pepsi Zero Sugar Rookie of the Week award.
The first-round pick is the second Falcons rookie to receive an award in the first half of the 2025 NFL season. Third-round pick Xavier Watts was named the NFL Rookie of the Month for September. Overall, Atlanta's draft class has thrived this season under defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich.
Both Walker and James Pearce Jr. have lived up to the hype, while Watts and fourth-round pick Billy Bowman Jr. have held things down on the back end. All four rookies have helped the Falcons become the NFL's No. 1 ranked passing defense.
For the season, Walker has 19 tackles (12 solo) and ranks third on the team with three sacks in just six games. Pearce and Walker combined for one of the biggest plays of Week 9. After Walker strip-sacked Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, Pearce scooped up the ball and ran all the way to the opposing six-yard line.
The Falcons punched the ball into the end zone a few seconds later, altering the momentum in the game before halftime. Unfortunately, the team's comeback attempt fell short after kicker Parker Romo missed a potential game-tying extra point in the fourth quarter.
Atlanta made a change at kicker entering Week 10, signing Zane Gonzalez and releasing Parker Romo. Gonzalez will make his first start of the season on Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts. The game starts at 9:30 a.m. ET in Berlin, Germany.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons rookie draft class takes home another NFL award
Continue reading...
The former University of Georgia standout recorded five tackles and two sacks against the Patriots. Walker's stellar performance helped him take home the prestigious Pepsi Zero Sugar Rookie of the Week award.
The first-round pick is the second Falcons rookie to receive an award in the first half of the 2025 NFL season. Third-round pick Xavier Watts was named the NFL Rookie of the Month for September. Overall, Atlanta's draft class has thrived this season under defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich.
Both Walker and James Pearce Jr. have lived up to the hype, while Watts and fourth-round pick Billy Bowman Jr. have held things down on the back end. All four rookies have helped the Falcons become the NFL's No. 1 ranked passing defense.
For the season, Walker has 19 tackles (12 solo) and ranks third on the team with three sacks in just six games. Pearce and Walker combined for one of the biggest plays of Week 9. After Walker strip-sacked Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, Pearce scooped up the ball and ran all the way to the opposing six-yard line.
The Falcons punched the ball into the end zone a few seconds later, altering the momentum in the game before halftime. Unfortunately, the team's comeback attempt fell short after kicker Parker Romo missed a potential game-tying extra point in the fourth quarter.
Atlanta made a change at kicker entering Week 10, signing Zane Gonzalez and releasing Parker Romo. Gonzalez will make his first start of the season on Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts. The game starts at 9:30 a.m. ET in Berlin, Germany.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons rookie draft class takes home another NFL award
Continue reading...
