Niner Noise
FanSided

The top NFL player to watch from each team in 2017

By Peter Panacy

Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) throws against the Atlanta Falcons during the second quarter in the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) throws against the Atlanta Falcons during the second quarter in the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 2, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Vic Beasley (44) rushes Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) as he passes during the second half at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons defeated the Panthers 48-33. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Vic Beasley (44) rushes Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) as he passes during the second half at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons defeated the Panthers 48-33. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Atlanta Falcons — EDGE Vic Beasley

The Atlanta Falcons are going to have to overcome the gut-wrenching loss to the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LI, and that may be a storyline in of itself.

Atlanta’s offense was more than prolific last year, finishing No. 1 overall in scoring (540) and No. 2 in total yards gained (6,653). And while former offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan is no longer in town, the Falcons offense should be just fine with weapons like quarterback Matt Ryan, wide receiver Julio Jones and running back Devonta Freeman.

Instead, the Falcons defense needs to be the key for any return to the Super Bowl. And the player to watch is EDGE Vic Beasley.

Beasley was a stud with 15.5 sacks last season. That pass-rushing prowess took pressure off a developing Atlanta secondary, and he’ll need to be back on point this upcoming season.

He’ll have some help, especially with the addition of former UCLA defensive end Takkarist McKinley via the NFL Draft.

But Beasley will have to be the guy the Falcons need to show up big once more.