–With the ability to get after the passer growing more and more difficult as the injuries mount up, the Falcons need a big week from defensive end Vic Beasley Jr.
Beasley spent last season at linebacker, but was moved back to end this year. Last week he spent most of his time dropping into coverage as a spy on Carolina quarterback Cam Newton. Beasley, who had 15.5 sacks two years ago, has yet to get a sack this season.
“There are definitely areas to improve for Vic,” head coach Dan Quinn said. “I like his speed. I like his get-off. We just have to keep attacking for it. I think as far as it goes, he’ll keep improving.”
–After being a non-factor in the first game, fourth-round draft pick Ito Smith gained a lot of confidence with his effort against Carolina.
Smith carried nine times for 46 yards against Carolina.
“I think the big thing is we knew we had the ability to get him on the edge,” Quinn said. “I think our guys probably saw his ability to stick his foot in the ground and violently change directions.”
Smith did just that once against Carolina All-Pro linebacker Luke Kuechly, who was left grasping for air.
“Yeah, you don’t see that too often where Luke just about makes every tackle it seems like sometimes in the run game,” Quinn said. “That’s part of the ‘what’ Ito has, that kind of quickness and body control to make you miss in a short area. That’s what we expect from all our backs. Certainly he’s had more than good mentors.”
BY THE NUMBERS: 8 — Number of receivers who caught passes from Matt Ryan in last week’s win over Carolina. Ryan threw two touchdown passes
