FLOWERY BRANCH – The Falcons, who have the worst pass rush in the league, are moving first-round pick Vic Beasley to the left side on the defensive line in the nickel pass rush defense.
He will play alongside of defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux.
“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.”
O’Brien Schofield, will move to the right defensive end spot and rush next to defensive tackle Adrian 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.”
Beasley, Schofield and Clayborn all lead the team with two sacks each.
“I just think that from the opportunities that I’ve been able to rush with Clay, 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 oppositing right tackle. Normally, teams have the best pass blocker at left tackle.
“I think it give 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 is going be basically to our talent level of the guys that we have out there. The coaches are putting everybody in a great position to be successful.”
The Giants recorded three sacks last week to move in front of the Falcons with 12 sacks. The Falcons dropped to last place (32nd) in the league with 10 sacks.
Beasley had an interception against San Francisco, while dropping into coverage. He may have to drop into coverage more on the left side.
“I was just trying to play that man coverage as best as I could,” Beasley said. “That’s definitely what I try to bring to this team. I’m not only a guy who can rush the passer, but I can drop in coverage also.”
Beasley believes the Falcons still have the right mindset about rushing the passer.
“Just continue to work together and continue to believe in our rushes,” Beasley said. “Coming out to practice and working hard each and every day that’s the start of it. Everybody’s mindset is the same as it was before. We will continue to rush hard and get after the quarterback. We are not going to change that mindset.”
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