Atlanta Falcons working Osi Umenyiora as standup edge rusher

Veteran defensive lineman Osi Umenyiora joined the Atlanta Falcons during free agency and it hasn’t taken him long to learn that things could be much different with his new team. After spending plenty of time with the New York Giants to start his career, Umenyiora is working at a position that he completely unfamiliar with — standup edge rusher.

Umenyiora spoke with the media about working as a standup linebacker during training camp and he was very open to the idea.

From the Atlanta Journal Constitution:

"“Never really done that before, but in a situation like this where it’s something that I might have to do, I just have to work.  I don’t know if I’m going to do it during an actual game or not, but it’s cool to come out here, get a feel for it and see if I can do it.”"

Umenyiora’s willingness to learn and work at a new position at this point in his career says a lot about his dedication to winning.

If he is successful working as a standup rusher, then it could be a new wrinkle for the team’s defense that allows their pass rush to get a little boost.

I guess you can teach an old dog new tricks.