Falcons Face Bengals in Madrid This Sunday

The Atlanta Falcons arrived in Madrid on Wednesday to prepare for a Sunday afternoon contest against the Cincinnati Bengals.

The team, currently holding a 3-5 record, will spend the week in Spain before facing the 5-2 Bengals at 9:30 a.m. EST on Sunday at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

The weather in Madrid presented a different challenge than the conditions in Tampa Bay last week. The temperature was cold, described by players as hoodie-and-sweatpants cold, but it was dry. This contrasted with the heavy downpour and violent winds the Falcons endured during a 16-0 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Falcons safety Xavier Watts noted that the team is focused on the different environment. "I think it's going to be a different game," Watts said. "I think it's going to be a different environment, and I think we're ready for it."

Receiver Jahan Dotson said the team is ready to play. "I think we're ready to go," Dotson said. "I think we're ready to play. I think we're ready to compete."

The Falcons will face a passing attack that has been one of the most efficient in the league. The Bengals' receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins have each been targeted 61 times this season. They have both caught 43 passes and together have more receiving yards than any other duo in the NFL.

Falcons cornerback Xavier Watts said the duo is a challenge. "They're a very, very good team," Watts said. "They're a very, very good team, and we know that. We know what they can do."

The Falcons' run game has struggled in recent weeks. The team averaged 453 yards per game in the first four games but has averaged 588 yards per game in the last four games, including a 274-yard game against the Buccaneers.

Running back Brian Robinson Jr. said the team is working to fix the issues. "I think we're going to be able to get that back," Robinson said. "I think we're going to be able to get that back, and I think we're going to be able to get that back."

The Falcons also had personnel news on Wednesday. Defensive end James Pearce Jr. participated in his first full-team practice since returning from a knee injury. Pearce, who missed the first seven games of the season, said he feels good. "I feel good," Pearce said. "I feel good, and I'm ready to go."

The team's injury report listed several players. Defensive back Billy Bowman Jr., wide receiver Beaux Collins, and offensive tackle Cameron Williams were listed as fully participating. Linebackers Yasir Abdullah and Divine Deablo, along with running back Brian Robinson Jr., were listed as limited in practice. Wide receiver Zachariah Branch did not participate.

The Falcons will hold a light practice on Thursday. The team will then travel to the stadium for a walkthrough on Friday. Sunday's game will be the final regular season game in the international series for the Falcons.