Atlanta Falcons: Five things we learned in win over Panthers

4) Vic Beasley is going to be a very special player

Nov 22, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive end Vic Beasley Jr. (44) warms up before their game against the Indianapolis Colts at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

The Atlanta Falcons drafted Vic Beasley with the eight pick in the 2015 NFL draft with the hopes of him providing a much-needed pass rush for a defense that did not have one. However, through the Falcons’ first 14 games Beasley had only managed three sacks and one forced fumble.

Reports surfaced after the Falcons’ victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars last week that Beasley had been playing with a torn labrum all season long but that wasn’t going to stop him from playing. Just days after the report, Beasley laced up his cleats and had his best game as a pro in week 16.

Beasley recorded  a game-winning strip sack and had three QB hurries for the Falcons. Beasley had his way with the Panthers’ offensive line en route to several QB hits including a hit on Newton which caused an incomplete pass on third-and-5 on a ball intended for Greg Olsen.

While Beasley still has a lot to learn, his skill set and potential are through the roof and appears to have an extremely bright future with his hometown Falcons.