Osi Umenyiora will continue his role as a designated pass rusher this season, according to Falcons defensive coordinator Mike Nolan.
Umenyiora led the Falcons with 7.5 sacks last season, his first after a 10-year career with the Giants. His role evolved during the season and the defensive end was used in predominately passing situations near the end of the year.
“Charles Haley, (Chris) Doleman, there have been several guys, there are a lot of guys who at the end of their career have become designated pass rusher,” Nolan said. “Certainly, we’d love to get the same production out of Osi that those great ones had. Osi has had his great years and hopefully he’s got some gas left in his tank. I think that he does. He’s worked very hard at it. We’ll see what comes of it.”
Umenyiora had 75 sacks in 129 career games with the Giants and including Pro Bowl selections in 2005 and 2007. Last season, in addition to his sack total, Umenyiora had 54 tackles (45 solo), six tackles for loss, three forced fumbles and an interception that he returned for a touchdown.
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