The Atlanta Falcons are taking the show on the road this week to Spain, where they will face Joe Burrow and the Cinncinati Bengals on Sunday morning. Burrow is arguably the hottest quarterback in the league going into Week 9, while the Falcons are recovering from their ugliest game in a long time.
To pull off an upset, they need to win a few key individual battles - beginning with their own quarterback bouncing back from a career-worst game.
Michael Penix Jr. vs. Michael Penix Jr.
Sometimes the greatest battle is within - and if Penix doesn't win this particular one with himself then the Falcons won't have a chance to keep pace with the Bengals. Coming off a four-pick game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Penix has to take better care of the ball without losing his aggressive instincts.
Offensive coordinator Tommy Rees can help by setting up some easy quick-hitters early on to restore his confidence. If Penix can play more like he did against the 49ers, Atlanta will have at least a puncher's chance.
Falcons IOL vs. DT Dexter Lawrence
Cincinnati's defense has radically improved since last season - and the biggest reason why is their acquisition of three-time Pro Bowler Dexter Lawrence, who some believe is the best defensive tackle in the game today. Along with fellow newcomers Boye Mafe and Jonathan Allen, Lawrence has helped transform the Bengals defense into a respectable unit. Stopping him is not a one-man job, so don't be surprised if you see Matt Bergeron, Ryan Neuzil and Chris Lindstrom all blocking him at the same time more than once.
EDGE James Pearce vs. QB Joe Burrow
The Falcons defense is getting a big piece back this week as second-year edge rusher James Pearce has been activated after serving out his eight-game suspension. Pearce led Atlanta with 10.5 sacks last season and could potentially turn a good pass rush into a great one. Joe Burrow's game is superb but he's not known as a mobile quarterback and will need to keep his feet moving and his head on a swivel to avoid taking hits from Pearce. The only issue is that Pearce was downgraded to questionable with back injury. If he does play, look for the Falcons to ease him in on pass-rushing downs.
Falcons DBs vs. Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins
The toughest matchup this week falls to the Falcons' secondary as a whole. Whether it's A.J. Terrell, Mike Hughes or Billy Bowman, Atlanta's defensive backs will be severely outgunned when lined up against Cincinnati's superstar wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase and the highly underrated Tee Higgins. Chase is a five-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro, who has already racked up 563 catches, 73,29 yards and 60 career touchdowns in just 85 games. Higgins actually leads the Bengals and ranks second in the entire NFL with 726 receiving yards. Last week, Higgins had 10 catches for 155 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
Sunday's game starts at 9:30 a.m. ET on the NFL Network.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons vs. Bengals: 4 matchups Atlanta must win in Madrid
