Falcons defensive end Vic Beasley needs to most embody coach Dan Quinn’s fast and physical style of play against a makeshift Tennessee offensive line that will feature two rookies.
Quinn and defensive coordinator Richard Smith both pointed out the team’s pass-rush deficiencies the first six games.
The coaching staff, searching for answers, broke down the rushes over the mini-bye. Most have been four-man and five-man rushes because the Falcons don’t often blitz.
The coordination of the rushes have been off, and Beasley, who was selected with the eighth overall pick of the draft, was added to spark the team’s dormant pass rush.
Beasley said he’s getting close to more sacks. Quinn concurred, but he wants more production out of Beasley, who has just two sacks.
“Close doesn’t really count in this,” Quinn said. “It’s all about the finish. The hits are there, batted balls — those are good. But how often do we move the QB off the spot? And really, let’s make sure we are all rushing together, all four guys.”
Beasley has rushed the passer 164 times in six games, according to Pro Football Focus. He’s officially been credited with three quarterback hits and 10 hurries.
“We have to take it up a notch in the trenches because we have so much talent on the front line,” Beasley said. “We just have to go harder.”
