Falcons defensive end/linebacker Vic Beasley is tied for second in the league with 9.5 sacks with Denver’s Von Miller.
Buffalo’s Lorenzo Alexander and Kansas City’s Dee Ford lead the league with 10 sacks.
Beasley, who was drafted eighth overall out of Clemson, had just four sacks his rookie season.
What’s been behind this surge?
Beasley has an idea.
“I’m just being relentless,” Beasley said. “I’m trying to execute the game plan and by just being myself.”
Coach Dan Quinn attributes it to Beasley studying of offensive linemen and better practice habits.
“One, I think he has a real idea of how to attack now,” Quinn said. “Knowing that maybe each tackle might set a little different. Might play a little different. Some of that comes with experience. What I did against this player may not be as effective on the next player.”
Beasley, who’s also benefitted from the mere presence of veteran Dwight Freeney, is also practicing harder.
“He’s ramp up his practice habits,” Quinn said. “That’s totally transferring into the game. We call that trusting your training. The more that you put it out there on the practice field, it totally carries forward to the game. I’ve seen a big swing in his practice habits for sure. ”
Ford, who was selected 23rd overall by the Chiefs in 2014 out of Auburn, is having a similar surge after having 1.5 sacks as a rookie and 4 sacks in his second season.
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