MADRID – Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. is finally set to make his season debut, and the timing couldn't be more important for a defense searching for answers.

One week after being gashed on the ground by the Buccaneers’ rushing attack, the Falcons will face a fundamentally different challenge with Joe Burrow and the Bengals. This unit tops the NFL in passing offense and boasts one of the league's most dangerous receiving duos in Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.

Slowing Cincinnati's passing attack will require pressure on Burrow, making Pearce's return especially important. The Falcons have already been busy making space for their star pass rusher, and Samson Ebukam's hamstring injury has created an immediate need for snaps.

What that impact could look like remains a lingering question.

Pearce has been around the team for the past month but was only cleared to practice earlier this week.…