Falcons rookie defensive end Vic Beasley, a native of Adairsville, must “Rise Up” and play better than he did in the exhibition season.
He was drafted to breathe new and fresh life into the Falcons’ anemic pass rush.
“He’s a guy, as we all know, who has some very — actually off the (chart) – athleticism, natural ability to get off the mark with explosiveness and turn the corner, bend around the corner, to the quarterback,” Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff said. “We quite honestly haven’t had that element on our defensive front since John Abraham was there as far as constantly coming off the mark. We feel that Vic can do (that).”
The Falcons showed signs of life with eight sacks in the exhibition season, with Adrian Clayborn and practice squader Stansly Maponga leading the way with two.
Beasley, who was Clemson’s all-time sack master, didn’t record a sack.
“We are just looking forward to what we can be,” Beasley said. “I’m just looking forward to playing at a high level.”
In his exhibition debut against Tennessee, Beasley was greeted with double teams and chip blocks as the Falcons tried to free him up by moving him around. The Titans were trying to protect prized rookie quarterback Marcus Mariota.
“I think I was able to see what I can potentially be in the regular season and how I can help this team,” Beasley said.
He’ll face seven-time Pro Bowler Jason Peters when he lines up on the right side and Lane Johnson when he lines up on the left side of the defense.
“He still has some growing and we all know that he’s learning along the way,” Dimitroff said. “But given his natural speed and athleticism, I think that our fan base should be very excited to watch him add an element to this defense that is needed.”
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