Pearce's 10.5 sacks are the most by a rookie since Micah Parsons' 13.5 in 2021.
Tori McElhaney
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. Atlanta Falcons rookie edge rusher James Pearce Jr. has been named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month. This award punctuates one of the best seasons for a Falcons edge rusher, rookie status or not.
Pearce recorded 10.5 sacks in his first full professional season. When doing so, he became the first rookie to produce double-digit sacks since Micah Parsons recorded 13.5 in 2021.
Not only did Pearce's 10.5 sacks lead the Falcons' team andhelp set a new franchise record, they are the most by a Falcons rookie since individual sacks became an official stat in 1982. Hall of Famer Claude Humphrey, who had 11.5 sacks in 1968, is recognized as the Falcons' all-time rookie sack leader. Humphrey became the first player in franchise history to be named Defensive Rookie of the Year by the Associated Press after the 1968 season.
Pearce recorded at least one sack in six straight games from Weeks 10-15, joining the likes of Jevon Kearse, Parsons and Mike Croel as the only individuals to accomplish this feat. That streak is tied for the second-longest by any NFL rookie since 1982. Pearce had two multiple-sack games in 2025, the only rookie to do so.
As the NFL prepares for end-of-year honors in the coming month, Pearce has made a strong case for the Defensive Rookie of the Year Award. Pearce is one of 22 rookies to have ever recorded 10.5 sacks in a single season since 1982 11 of those 22 individuals went on to win Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Pearce's fellow Falcons rookie Xavier Watts could make a case for himself as well. Together, the duo becamejust the second pair of rookie teammatesin NFL history to have at least 10 sacks and five interceptions.
The Falcons began the 2025 season withWatts earning Defensive Rookie of the Month for September. With Pearce receiving the same honor to close out 2025, Falcons rookies bookend the season, punctuating a great year for Atlanta's young defenders.
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