In the matchup between the Falcons’ defense and Tampa Bay quarterback Jameis Winston’s offense on Sunday, a productive pass rush is vital to managing the Buccaneers’ passing game.
To create a successful pass rush, coach Dan Quinn believes his defensive line must balance good execution with playing in sync.
“(Improving the pass rush) is a combination of a lot of things, where it wouldn’t be just in execution, (although) that’s sure part of it,” Quinn said. “Four guys working in concert to make sure you get the quarterback off the spot. We’ve added some new players, so that’s certainly a factor.”
Winston threw for 4,042 yards and 22 touchdowns in his rookie season. Winston’s legs were also a threat in 2015 as he ran for 213 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns.
With the additions of Derrick Shelby, Courtney Upshaw and Dwight Freeney to the defense, linebacker Vic Beasley feels confident in the rebuilt pass rush.
“(Clemson) played against Jameis in college,” Beasley said. “He’s a talented quarterback. (You) definitely have to bring something with you when you’re coming to hit him. As a defensive front, we’re just going to try and get after him.”
An effective pass rush will help the Falcons’ secondary against tall and physical receivers Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson. Freeney is confident in the Falcons’ ability to rush the passer.
“(Winston) is a guy who likes to throw the ball in the pocket,” he said. “(He’s) more of a pocket passer than most people would think for a young athlete back there, but he definitely likes to throw that rock.”
Freeney, one of the NFL’s top pass rushers with the Colts in the 2000s, had eight sacks in just 11 games with the Cardinals in 2015. He has 119.5 career sacks with the Colts, Chargers and Cardinals.
“For us, just collectively, getting after him, making sure everybody understands the game plan collectively,” Freeney said. “That’s all about four guys getting after the quarterback.”
A 14-year veteran of the NFL, Freeney’s experience is seen not only on the field, but in the time he invests in encouraging and investing in younger players.
He’s advised his teammates to not overwhelm themselves with all 16 games before the season opener, but to take the season one moment at a time.
“I think sometimes, you put too much on every week and you psych yourself out,” Freeney said. “You already put the work in from day to day. Trust in what the coaches put in from a technique and fundamental standpoint. That’s all you focus on. When you do that, you carry it to the game and you end up making plays. If you keep it small, but look at the big.”
Even Quinn sees what Freeney’s experience could mean to a young pass rusher like Beasley, the Falcons’ 2015 first-round pick. After being drafted eighth overall, Beasley finished his rookie season with four sacks, one interception and two forced fumbles.
“Dwight’s been a good addition, he really has in terms of the approach he can bring, and he can really take something to a different place,” Quinn said. “You’ll see in the locker room. You’ll see Dwight walking around with an iPad in his hand, watching game film as he’s bumping into people down the hallway. He goes to that level of detail to get himself ready. Of course that would rub off on a young guy like Vic, who’s still trying to learn new tricks, new techniques.”
Beasley spent his rookie season struggling with family issues as well as a nagging shoulder injury, but in the offseason, he benefited from Freeney’s experience.
Beasley said Freeney taught him effective pass rush strategies.
Beasley played sparingly in three exhibition games after being pulled from the Falcons’ first exhibition game against the Cleveland Browns with a shoulder injury.
Quinn has been impressed with Beasley’s week of practice and thinks he’s ready to play against the Buccaneers.
On Thursday, Beasley felt focused.
“I feel good,” he said. “I’m looking forward to this season, seeing what we can be as a team, so there’s definitely always those butterflies when you approach that first game.”
