Atlanta Falcons: 5 Players to Watch vs. Washington

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Vic Beasley came to Atlanta with a ton of expectations. The Atlanta Falcons have not had a franchise pass rusher since DE John Abraham gave the defense bite on that 13-3, 2012 team. Vic has looked good, but not great in his first four professional games, but that’s expected out of a rookie.

Beasley will get there for sure, as he benefits from playing in a great 4-3 Under scheme of HC Dan Quinn. He’s got a great pass rushing partner in DE Adrian Clayborn, another former first round pick. What I’ve really liked out of Beasley thus far in 2015 is that he doesn’t look like a tremendous liability in stopping the run.

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Yes, he plays in the nickel package primarily that focuses on defending the pass, but we’ve seen NFL offenses run the ball well out of spread formations. Having Beasley become a well-rounded player should give him more opportunities to make plays for the Atlanta Falcons.

I like for Vic Beasley to make three big plays on Sunday. He will bat down a crucial 3rd and long pass from Washington QB Kirk Cousins. Beasley will commit to stopping the run, bringing a Redskins’ tailback to the turf on a third down sweep. Vic will also have a sack on Cousins in this game, set up by either Adrian Clayborn or Jonathan Babineaux. Beasley’s versatility shines in Week 5.

Next: How Does He Perform Against His Former Team?