Atlanta Falcons: Vic Beasley will break out in 2016
The Atlanta Falcons have to add a few more pieces to the puzzle, but their defense will be one of their strengths heading into next season, thanks to everything Vic Beasley brings to the table.
Things didn’t go exactly as planned for the Atlanta Falcons in 2015. They ended up going 8-8 and didn’t earn a spot in the NFL Playoffs despite all the changes that hit the team. Their defense showed signs of being brilliant, but, unfortunately, it didn’t come to fruition of being one worthy of shutting down opposing teams completely.
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Rookie edge rusher Vic Beasley predicted he would have one heck of a rookie season. Even going as far as proclaiming he would reach double-digit sacks but even though he fell short of his goal, he played this past regular season with a lot of heart, hustle and earned the respect of many for having a high motor in every game he was a part of.
Beasley ended his rookie year with 26 tackles, 4.0 sacks, an interception and two forced fumbles. He was about six sacks short of reaching his off-season goal last year but one particular memorable sack he had was a play that ended the perfect season of the Carolina Panthers. It was when he had an incredible strip sack off of quarterback Cam Newton to hand them their first loss of the season back in Week 16.
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Considering he put up decent stats while playing with a torn labrum shoulder injury all season long makes many wonder what he can accomplish when fully healthy. He didn’t even miss a single game as Beasley helped address some of the pass rush weaknesses the Falcons had in 2014 which is why they used their first-round pick to draft him.
With his rookie season under his belt and a full off-season to help recover from his injury, there is no doubt he will continue to work hard to go right back to work once training camps arrive. His upside is very good since he can only build upon 2015 to make an even bigger impact on the Falcons’ defense.
If the Falcons can continue to build around Beasley, the Falcons will once again be right up there with being a top contender in the NFC South. He can be their unspoken leader on defense thanks to his extraordinary work ethic and leadership skills which is exactly what the Falcons need to make their defense one to be reckoned with.
Beasley has a good head on his shoulders since he’s humble enough to realize he has a lot of work ahead of him if he’s to become a top pass rusher in the NFL. In an article written by Michael Cunningham of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, here is what Beasley said his focus is heading into the off-season:
"“Get stronger,” he said. “Being a more effective pass rush. Working on my main (pass rush) moves and better my craft and perfecting those moves I have.”"
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Overall, the sky is the limit for Beasley as it’s only a matter of time before he gets everything and executes on a consistent basis. At the rate he’s going, he will have a much bigger impact in 2016 and will have a breakout season since he’ll be healthy and ready to push the envelope. If he develops into exactly what the Falcons believe he can be on defense, he will be one of the main reasons they’ll be a top team in the NFC South come next season and beyond.