Falcons look to ramp up pass rush
The Falcons, in an effort to spruce up their pass rush, are going to flip-flop their defensive ends.
Vic Beasley will move to the left side and O’Brien Schofield will rush from the right side against Colts left tackle Anthony Castonzo in some nickel situations.
Beasley, Schofield and defensive tackle Adrian Clayborn have two sacks each. The Falcons have 10 overall, last in the NFL.
“It won’t be all of the time, but it will be some of the time,” Falcons coach Dan Quinn said. “I like that package together. I wanted to just mix it up and try some different fronts and alignments to help bolster the rush.”
Beasley flashed his versatility against the 49ers when he dropped into coverage and made an interception. He will play alongside defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux.
Schofield will rush next to Clayborn.
“I think it will be very beneficial,” Beasley said. “Me and (Babineaux) have been working good together. It will just be interesting to see how things go in the game.”
Schofield is all in on the move.
“I just think that from the opportunities that I’ve been able to rush with (Clayborn), the times that I have, we’ve had some really good chemistry as far as us being able to run some games,” Schofield said.
Beasley could benefit from facing the opposing right tackle. Normally, teams have the best pass blocker at left tackle. Joe Reitz plays right tackle for Indianapolis.
“I think it gives us a fresh look and gives Vic a chance to rush from the left side, stand up and do some other things,” Schofield said. “I think our game plan and the way that we are going to pass rush … the coaches are putting everybody in a great position to be successful.”
About the Author
Honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his "long and distinguished reporting in the field of pro football," D. Orlando Ledbetter, Esq. has covered the NFL 28 seasons. A graduate of Howard University, he's a winner of Georgia Sportswriter of the Year and three Associated Press Sports Editor awards.
