Atlanta Falcons vs Carolina: Five Defensive Players That Flew High and Three Low Flyers

Dirty Bird Defenders that Flew Low in Week 16

De’Vondre Campbell – Linebacker

De’Vondre Campbell is having a down season compared to last season, which was his best. Pro Football Focus sees the decline as his season grade is nearly 12 points lower than last season. In fact Campbell is playing a lot more like he played in his rookie season.

De’Vondre Campbell was third on the Atlanta Falcons with eight tackles, but just three of the tackles were solo. Two of those tackles were stops. In coverage Campbell was targeted seven times and gave up six catches for 58 yards.

Panther quarterbacks had a 102.1 rating when throwing to the pass catcher that Campbell was guarding. Campbell also failed to record a quarterback pressure in 13 pass rush snaps. Campbell will have one more opportunity to bounce back in Tampa on Sunday.

Pro Football Focus Grade: 47.7

ATL All Day Grade: F

Brooks Reed – Defensive End

Brooks Reed played 33 snaps for the Atlanta Falcons in the game against Carolina. Unfortunately he didn’t make much of an impression in his opportunities. He failed to record a tackle but he did miss a tackle.

Reed was able to get pressure on quarterback Tyler Heinekie just once. He also game up a one yard touchdown catch, on his only coverage chance. The Falcons would be wise to move in another direction from Brooks Reed next season.

Pro Football Focus Grade: 50.7

ATL All Day Grade: D –

Vic Beasley – Defensive End

Vic Beasley has been about as abysmal in a contract year as one could be. He is a shell of the player that led the NFL in sacks in 2016. Beasley ranks number 106 of 107 as an edge defender this season.

Against Carolina Vic Beasley was mostly a quiet non factor. He only notched two tackles in 58 snaps. One of those tackles was a stop. He rushed the passer 44 times vs the Panthers and had zero sacks and just one quarterback hurry.

Vic Beasley has been a major disappointment posting a career low PFF grade of 42.9. He is set to make 13 million dollars in the final year of his deal.

The Atlanta Falcons must renegotiate this deal or go in a different direction. There are too many productive players up for contract extensions, such as Grady Jarrett to pay Beasley big dollars.

Pro Football Focus Grade: 56.4

ATL All Day Grade: D

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