Falons face Bengals in Madrid after rainy shutout loss
Kevin Stefanski shifts focus from weather to Joe Burrow's high-powered attack as Atlanta prepares for a Sunday matchup in Spain.
By Haruka Ricci ·
The Atlanta Falcons will trade heavy Florida rain for a different kind of trouble in Madrid this Sunday. They face the Cincinnati Bengals, who are coming off a dominant offensive performance at home.
Coach Kevin Stefanski said the team expects a distinct challenge from the one they faced last week. The Falcons lost 16-0 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in wet conditions. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. threw four interceptions in that game. The Buccaneers did not complete a single pass yet still won decisively.
Stefanski noted that the challenges of last week are behind them. He emphasized that preparing for Joe Burrow and the Bengals' offense requires a different approach. The team is working hard to handle what that unit is capable of doing.
Burrow led the Bengals to a 43-36 victory over the Tennessee Titans in overtime last week. He threw five touchdown passes and added a rushing score. His 462 passing yards marked his second game this season with over 400 yards.
The Bengals' receiving corps was equally effective. Tee Higgins caught 10 balls for 155 yards and two touchdowns. Ja'Marr Chase hauled in 11 passes for 141 yards and a score. This marked the fourth time since 2021 that both receivers have surpassed 100 receiving yards in the same contest.
Stefanski called Chase and Higgins outstanding skill players. He said he does not know of another team in the league with similar playmakers. He stated that they challenge defenses schematically and through individual talent.
Safety Xavier Watts described last week's loss as a weird game. He said the defense has a chip on its shoulder and wants to rebound. Watts said the goal is to limit explosive plays and try to force takeaways to throw the Bengals off their rhythm.
Stefanski also expressed excitement for the offense to get back to its usual form after being shut out. He said he feels strongly about the players and coaches on staff. He believes that improving a little bit each week gives the team a chance to succeed.
Source: WDIV ClickOnDetroit
