The Cincinnati Bengals will face the Atlanta Falcons in Madrid this week with a clear focus on shutting down Bijan Robinson and finding balance in their run game. Robinson, the standout running back, is nearing 1,000 all-purpose yards this season but has not topped 80 rushing yards in his last three games. The Bengals are determined not to let him bounce back against them after a series of quieter performances.
Containing Robinson will require a full-team effort, especially on tackling. The Bengals have struggled with missed tackles in recent seasons, and letting Robinson escape could prove costly. Fans and analysts have pointed to moments like Dax Hill’s missed tackle as examples of what the Bengals must avoid. Robinson’s ability to run and catch passes makes him a dual threat that demands constant attention on the field.
On the other side, the Bengals need to establish a credible run game to counter Atlanta’s strong pass rush. The Falcons rank second in the league with 179 pressures this season, even without James Pearce Jr., who returns from an eight-game suspension this week. Cincinnati’s offensive strategy will likely include more handoffs and short passes to backs Chase Brown and Samaje Perine, aiming to prevent quarterback Joe Burrow from facing relentless pressure.
Atlanta’s defense showed its run-stopping weakness last week in a 16-0 loss to Tampa Bay, where the Buccaneers rushed for over 300 yards without completing a single pass. That result has likely influenced Cincinnati’s decision to get more balance in their attack. Brown, who had 55 rushing yards and 46 receiving yards in the game against Tennessee, is expected to play a significant part in this approach.
Pressuring Atlanta’s quarterback Michael Penix is another focus for Cincinnati’s defense. Penix has completed 61% of his passes this season with nine touchdowns and five interceptions. The Bengals’ defensive ends and tackles have been effective in pressuring quarterbacks, with Boye Mafe ranking sixth among defensive ends with 35 pressures. The interior rushers Dexter Lawrence and Jonathan Allen also contribute with 24 and 23 pressures respectively, putting constant strain on opposing quarterbacks.
Myles Murphy, coming off two recent games with five pressures, will be expected to continue his impact, especially with Cashius Howell unavailable this week. The Bengals’ pass rushers have shown playmaking ability, highlighted by moments such as Mafe forcing a fumble that Lawrence recovered. These efforts could disrupt Penix’s rhythm and create turnover opportunities.
The Madrid game offers a unique setting for the Bengals and Falcons. Cincinnati’s 5-2 record contrasts with Atlanta’s 3-5, but the Falcons have proven tough in recent weeks, including a win over the San Francisco 49ers just two weeks ago. The Bengals will need to execute their defensive and offensive plans carefully to avoid an upset.
With the Falcons' pressure-heavy defense and Robinson’s versatility, the Bengals’ ability to contain the run and protect Burrow while mixing in their own running plays will be central to the outcome. The team’s tackling and pass rush will be tested early and often in this international clash.
According to Yahoo Sports.
