Falcons rookie defensive end Vic Bealsey had a strong NFL debut against the Tennessee Titans on Friday at the Georgia Dome.
Beasley opened at left defensive with the starting defense and was a part of the unit that created two turnovers and returned one for a touchdown.
Beasley, a native of Adairsville, admitted to being a little anxious in his first NFL game.
“Really, when I just hit the field, realizing that the time is now and I’m actually in the NFL,” Beasley said. “This is a new chapter in my life.”
Linebackers Justin Durant had an interception and Paul Worrilow scooped up a fumble and returned it for a touchdown.
Bealsey has some pressure on Durant’s interception.
“I think it went pretty well,” Beasley. We got off to a good start at the beginning. I’m looking forward to getting started this week coming up.”
The Falcons moved Beasley around on the defense as he plays what they call the Leo position.
“Coach Quinn has a great scheme and I’m just buying into it and looking forward to what he has planned,” Beasley said.
The Titans gave Beasley a lot of respect and tried to double-team him at times.
“Welcome to the NFL,” Falcons coach Dan Quinn said. “Chip (blocks), tight ends and tackles.”
The defense, which was ranked last in the league in 2014, wanted to come out with a new attitude. Beasley and his pass rushing skills are big part of their plan.
“Coach Quinn emphasizing getting the ball back and I think we did a pretty good job of that,” Beasley said. “We just want to do that every time that we take the field.”
Beasley, who played at Clemson, has a good vantage point on Durant’s play.
“I was just trying to get some pressure on quarterback,” Beasley said. “I put my hand up and was able to help cause an interception.”
The Falcons also had a sack from defensive end Tyson Jackson.
“I think we got good pressure on (Tennessee quarterback Marcus Mariota),” Beasley said. “I think it affected him throughout the game. We just have to make it roll throughout the whole game with the second guys and third guys come in.”
Quinn was proud of his prized rookie.
“I can’t wait to go through it with him and there are some things we can improve on,” Quinn said. “Every time that we come in we have to keep on improving. I know he had fun playing.”
About the Author
