Falcons strongside linebacker Vic Beasley, who will also play some defensive end in pass-rush situations, is adjusting to his new spot on the defense.
Here’s what he had to say on Sunday:
Q: How has training camp been for you?
A: It's going well. I'm just getting acclimated. Started back camp and getting back in the groove with the team. I'm just trying to get better at the (strongside) position. I'm just taking it one day at a time.
Q: How has it been so far?
A: It's been good. The first day was kind of slow for me, but now things are coming around for me. I'm just trying to be the best that I can be at that position.
Q: What’s the hardest part of that transition?
A: Just getting more reps. The more experience you get, the more familiar you become with the position. Like I always say, experience is one of the best teachers.
Q: Where do you see that this is your second year and how is it showing in your game?
A: I'm just working hard. The position of (strongside) and defensive end is similar in a lot of ways. I see a lot of progress. I'm just trying to become a better dropper as I am a rusher.
Q: Which newcomer on the defense has impressed you the most?
A: Pretty much all of the guys who have come in have been impressive. (Derrick) Shelby is one to look out for. He's a great addition to the team.
Q: How much does it help to go against (tackles Ryan) Schraeder and (Jake) Matthews in practice every day?
A: It's great. You have two of the best left tackles in the league. Going against those two guys have definitely helped to make me a better player.
Q: Are you feeling pretty good about how the defense is playing early in camp?
A: We have a lot of great communication. The linebackers are communicating well. We are just trying to treat (practice) like it's a game.
Q: What’s the hardest part of flipping to the left side?
A: I feel like I can rush from either side of the ball. Left or right. Just going to the other side helps me get familiar with that side. When I was college I was playing the right side, but I'm familiar with both sides.
Q: There are a couple of old strongside backers on the roster, who’s been helping you with the move.
A: We have a number of guys. We've got Brooks (Reed), Shelby, (Jonathan) Babineaux, who's a veteran and a number of guys on the edge who can help out. We are just trying to be the best that we can be. We are trying to get better each and every day.
Q: How will the pass rush be improved?
A: We can be as good as we want to be. We have great additions in (Courtney) Upshaw and Shelby. Then we have veterans like Babineaux and (Adrian) Clayborn. Those two are great pass rushers along with myself. We are going to show them. This is a new year for us and we understand what's expected of us.
About the Author
