With The First Pick
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Vic Beasley Jr. bringing the heat for the Atlanta Falcons

By Jon Dove

Oct 9, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Vic Beasley (44) celebrates his sack in the second half against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Falcons defeated the Broncos 23-16. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Vic Beasley (44) celebrates his sack in the second half against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Falcons defeated the Broncos 23-16. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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It took longer than expected but Vic Beasley Jr. is finally starting to live up to expectations set by the Atlanta Falcons.

Heading into the season many fans of the Atlanta Falcons were concerned about Vic Beasley Jr. and his lack of production. He was brought in to create pressure on the quarterback, but finished his rookie season with only 4 sacks.

The sack total wasn’t the only concern as Beasley looked over match at times. His lack of bulk was an issue has the more powerful offensive linemen were able to keep him in check. He also found that he couldn’t win with speed only.

Things were made worse by the fact that Beasley also had his share of struggles holding up against the run. Atlanta and their fan base just expected more from the 8th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft.

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The situation has dramatically changed over the course of this season. Beasley has already registered 6.5 sacks and is just a more consistent player. It’s apparent that he needed time to add more moves to his pass-rush arsenal and get stronger.

Atlanta also has also done a better job moving Beasley around the formation in order to find mismatches. This was made easier with the decision to move him to more of an outside linebacker role.

Beasley’s speed and overall athleticism are more useful when he’s able to work in space. Moving him off the defensive line gives him the opportunity to read and react. He also doesn’t have to battle bigger and more powerful offensive linemen on a consistent basis.

This is a good lesson for everyone who wants to rush to judgement. Beasley, like many young players, just needed some time to develop and perfect his craft.

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