Atlanta Falcons

Why isn't Vic Beasley making the impact that's expected?

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The Atlanta Falcons drafted Vic Beasley to be a difference maker. However, since joining the Falcons, he hasn’t lived up to his hype.

When Vic Beasley was taken with the eighth overall pick, he was expected to make an immediate impact. In fact, he was supposed to be the catalyst to revive an anemic Falcons pass rush.

Coming out of Clemson, Beasley had all the coveted speed and athleticism of an edge rusher. Yet, his talents have not translated into NFL success, much to many Falcons fans’ chagrin.

As a result, some critics and fans are inaccurately labeling Beasley as a bust.

The climate of the NFL is that of an instant gratification league; fans expect to see an immediate return on a first round investment. If a player fails to quickly produce then bust status has been earned.

After coming out of college so highly regarded, why has Beasley stumbled out of the blocks? Upon further film review, there are a few factors that are preventing Beasley from “turning that corner” to become a productive edge rusher. Continue reading to find out what Beasley’s problems are, and how the Falcons can try to turn them around.

Continue reading to find out what Beasley’s problems are, and how the Falcons can try to turn them around.

Aug 11, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons linebacker Vic Beasley (44) on the sidelines against the Washington Redskins in the second quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

No. 3: Lack of a consistently effective speed rush

One of the biggest draws from Vic Beasley coming out of college was his speed and bend off of the edge.However, Beasley isn’t using his speed enough coming off the edge for the tackles to truly respect it. The Atlanta Falcons head coach, Dan Quinn, has decided to put Beasley as LDE in nickel sets to better utilize his speed against Right tackles. In most nickel sets, Beasley is

The Atlanta Falcons head coach, Dan Quinn, has decided to put Beasley at left defensive end in nickel sets to better utilize his speed against right tackles. In most nickel sets, Beasley is in the wide-nine technique which should give him the advantage because of his speed. However, on most snaps, the tackles are able to kick-slide, get set in their stances and punch him to take him completely out of the play.

All too often Beasley will get a good jump on the snap to hesitate just enough to allow the tackles to recover and stay on their technique. In other words, his hesitation allows a tackle enough time to get prepared for his rush.

Then the tackles will attempt to bend the edge as Beasley’s already out of the play.

If Beasley wants to become more productive, he will need to utilize his speed. Ultimately, the former Clemson defender needs to perfect his speed rush before thinking about moving to other moves in the repertoire.

Nov 29, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph (82) runs after a catch against Atlanta Falcons defensive back Phillip Adams (20) and defensive end Vic Beasley Jr. (44) and linebacker Philip Wheeler (51) in the fourth quarter of their game at the Georgia Dome. The Vikings won 20-10. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

No. 2: Inconsistent Hand Usage

Next, even when Beasley is getting the edge, he isn’t effectively using his hands against tackles.

In many cases, good edge rushers are able to ‘wash’ or chop the tackle’s hands or do an effective dip and rip move to get around the edge. All too often Beasley is seen fully engaging the tackles head on. He needs to be more consistent in attacking “half the man” and employing good hand usage to complement it.

Getting the edge against the tackle is one thing, but when you allow that tackle to recover and get his hands on you in this league, you had better be able to get off that block with effective hand usage. Vic has the tools to be elite, but a lack of consistency in this area keeps him out of plays. Beasley certainly wants to consistently work on his hand placement and hand usage going forward to ensure he’s improving as an edge rusher.

Beasley has the tools to be elite, but a lack of consistency in this area keeps him out of plays. The Falcons will certainly want to work on his hand placement and hand usage going forward to ensure he’s improving as an edge rusher.

Aug 25, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Atlanta Falcons linebacker Vic Beasley (L) and Miami Dolphins defensive back Rashaan Melvin (R) swap jerseys after the game at Camping World Stadium. The Miami Dolphins defeat the Atlanta Falcons 17-6. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Remember what I stated earlier about the ability to use the speed rush effectively? When used correctly, it opens up effective counter moves as well.

Although he’s been working incessantly to improve it, Beasley lacks a go-to counter move once tackles commit to stopping the speed rush. Now we’ve seen Beasley attempt to use the patented Dwight Freeney “spin” move as an inside move to get to the QB. However, in most cases, it’s been very ineffective as the tackles aren’t necessarily respecting his speed rush.

Beasley is attempting that spin too early out of his stance and the tackles are ready for it. If He wants to perfect his spin move, he MUST be able to have the tackles truly respect that speed by completely overcommitting to the outside. At that point, once the tackles attempt the punch it will make it much easier for him to complete an inside counter move.

Nov 22, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Matt Hasselbeck (8) drops back to pass as Atlanta Falcons defensive end Vic Beasley Jr. (44) pursues against Indianapolis Colts offensive guard Joe Reitz (76) in the first quarter of their game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Improvement going forward

All of the premier pass rushers in the league have a game plan when going up against tackles.

If speed is their asset, those pass rushers will attempt to beat that tackle with speed at least 4-5 times in a row to set him up and have him respect the speed off the edge.

Then, when they over commit, that rusher will hit him with a well-timed inside spin move or even a bull rush. Most of the power rushers have a mirage of techniques when it comes to hand placement and usage that allow them to win one on one matchups consistently. Vic Beasley certainly has all the physical tools to be an elite rusher. However, can he clean up the mental aspect of his game to become effective?