After All-Pro outside linebacker/defensive end Vic Beasley led the NFL in sacks with 15.5 last season, he’s preparing for teams to start sliding protections his way.
“I’m going to accept the attention,” Beasley told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Tuesday. “I know that other elite pass rushers around the league like Khalil (Mack) and Von (Miller), they get a lot of attention just like that. I know that we have a great line, and we have people that we have put into the puzzle and, you know, I think they are going to execute very well.”
The Falcons registered 34 sacks over 655 pass attempts last season. The Falcons had 19 sacks over 561 pass attempts in 2015.
In 2016, when you count the hurries and quarterback hits, the Falcons affected the quarterback on 255.5 of 655 pass attempts (39 percent). Beasley led the team with 16.5 hits and 33.5 hurries. With his sacks, he affected the quarterback on 65.5 plays.
Receiving the extra attention is a sign of respect and an acknowledgement of Beasley’s All-Pro status.
“I was definitely expecting it as I progressed as a player and became a better player over the course of my career,” said Beasley, who plans to play at between 240 and 245 pounds. “I knew that I would start getting more attention like the elite pass rushers in this league. It comes with the success.”
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