Falcons rookies Beasley, Jarrett make impact

Defensive linemen Vic Beasley and Grady Jarrett, teammates at Clemson, made key plays to set up scores for the Falcons in their first official game as pros.

In the second quarter the Eagles had a third-and-one at their 15 when quarterback Sam Bradford tried to throw to Riley Cooper just beyond the first-down marker. But Beasley knocked Bradford’s pass down at the line of scrimmage, leading to a punt that the Falcons converted into a field goal.

“I just knew they were trying to get it out hot, as fast as they can,” Beasley said. “I just got my hand up.”

It took just one play for Jarrett to one-up Beasley.

Bradford dropped back to pass from Philadelphia’s 20-yard line and took a big hit from Jarrett as he threw. Safety William Moore jumped in front of tight end Zach Ertz for the interception, and a play later Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan passed 22 yards to Julio Jones for a touchdown.

Beasley helped free Jarrett to make a run at Bradford by crashing down on left guard Allen Barbre.

“It was just a really good (line stunt) by us two and just looking forward to more things like that and getting some sacks,” Jarrett said.

In addition the quarterback hit, Jarrett was credited with one tackle. Beasley had three tackles and a QB hit while working most of the time against Eagles left tackle Jason Peters, who has been named to voted to the Pro Bowl seven times.

“I went against a very talented offensive tackle,” Beasley said. “He showed me some flaws in my game that I can improve.”