Vic Beasley Introductory Press Conference Reactions
By John Buhler
It was a short press conference, lasting roughly eight minutes. Although Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff and new HC Dan Quinn sat alongside Vic during the press conference, it was all about hearing what Vic Beasley had to say this afternoon.
Beasley was eager to answer questions from the start. He grew up a fan of the Atlanta Falcons, living just 60 miles up the road in Adairsville, GA. While he always dreamed he would wear the red and black in Atlanta, Beasley said his first NFL game will be the one he’s playing in against the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football.
Vic believes he is “blessed with a great first step” and happy with Clemson HC Dabo Swinney’s decision to move him to pass rusher in the spring of before his sophomore season. Though he hasn’t had time to pick former Clemson teammate and fellow Atlanta Falcon DE Malliciah Goodman’s brain on the intricacies of Coach Quinn’s new defensive system, Beasley plans on talking to Goodman shortly.
Another part of what intrigued Beasley on coming to Atlanta besides it being his hometown team is that he saw the success Seattle Seahawk Bruce Irvin had playing under Coach Quinn. Beasley models his game after the Seahawks’ fearsome pass rusher.
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The only concern I had with his press conference was how Vic believed that he needed to work on his motor so that he can play ‘lights out’ on every down. While I do think that Beasley will bring the thunder on obvious passing situations, he may need time to better understand the nuances of the LEO and SAM linebacker positions before he can become an every-down pass rusher.
Although it is bothersome to have a pass rusher questioning his own motor, I do respect that he is clearly aware of what he needs to work on. Pass rushers can prove difficult to coach if they aren’t willing to integrate intelligence into their athleticism. This Clemson Grad is already looking at improving on intermediate positional skills like hand placement and run defense. Some pass rushers never get there.
It looks like the Atlanta Falcons have themselves a humble, intelligent, and hard-working pass rusher. The NFL Draft continues tonight at 7PM ET live from Chicago.