Atlanta Falcons defensive ends are useless

This offseason, the Atlanta Falcons bet on themselves. And so far, they’re losing, especially on the defensive side of the ball.

Not only did the Atlanta Falcons decide to take two offensive linemen in the first round of the draft, but the team also hedged almost $13 million on Vic Beasley. You can’t blame Beasley here. The decision was a team one and why wouldn’t he accept?

Athletic defensive ends will always have a longer shelf life in the NFL than they deserve, even when stats and every other metric tells you otherwise.

The $13 million man who Dan Quinn was so eager to work with one-on-one has a total of 11 tackles, one and a half sacks, and just five quarterback hits. That’s what that money gets you these days?

Against Houston, Beasley was just out there for exercise. He did not register anything! Actually, he did account for some missed tackles and sacks. Let’s give him some credit on that front. He’s getting paid to get in his cardio in front of tens and thousands of people each Sunday.

Keep in mind, number 44 has played more than 200 snaps and has been one of the most ineffective players on the field at any given time. I mean you have to work to not be involved defensively on any play right? At some point wouldn’t you trip and fall into a tackle. Or get your hands up quick enough to deflect a pass.

The only positive for Beasley, isn’t committing silly penalties like the rest of the team but he’s basically useless. Oh, and Takk McKinley doesn’t get a pass either.

He’s had the same number of tackles, 11 and has managed a whole half sack. The only difference, he’s still on his rookie deal but the Atlanta Falcons would be foolish to keep him around once that expires.

If you want hype and emotion that doesn’t translate to production on the field, he’s your guy.

What the team should do, look to get some value from him while they can. Flip both guys for draft picks and start the rebuild with your dignity in check.

Despite what the internal hope or feel was going into the season, this line isn’t going to get it done. Grady Jarrett has been the lone effective player. The saddest part, Vic Beasley had a chance to learn from Dwight Freeney. He’s had a chance to work with Von Miller. It just isn’t happening.

The Atlanta Falcons have to start nailing their defensive line draft picks and free-agent signings, or else Thomas Dimitroff will be following Dan Quinn out the door very quickly.