FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Coming off his second consecutive Pro Bowl season, Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman vowed to improve every aspect of his game.
One of the elements in question was Freeman's blocking, considering he missed picking up linebacker Dont'a Hightower in the fourth quarter of February's Super Bowl loss to the New England Patriots. It led to Matt Ryan being sacked and losing the ball, which resulted in a momentum-swinging touchdown in the Patriots' 34-28 overtime win.
Freeman said missing that block was "a scar" that he would overcome. So it was interesting this week to see Freeman working extensively on blocking technique one-on-one with coach Dan Quinn. Freeman was attentive as Quinn offered hands-on coaching on how to attack the opponent in such a situation.
"We were talking cut blocks," Quinn said. "If you throw [the block] earlier, you can see it. If you throw later, that's where you beat a guy to the punch. It was a good topic for us. ... I wouldn't say it was real scientific coaching."
But one could tell Freeman learned from it based on his facial expressions and back-and-forth conversation with Quinn during the demonstration.
"That's a good connection," Quinn said of the relationship with Freeman. "I love what he stands for as a player. Every time out on this field, he goes for it. And that's what a true competitor does. He loves ball. He's willing to put out and go for it every single day, and I love that about him."
Freeman's play has stood out at training camp thus far as he awaits a contract extension. He appears to be even faster with his cuts and explosiveness up the field. He still possesses great hands catching the ball out of the backfield.
"I just want to take it to that next level," Freeman told ESPN regarding his goals for 2017. "How can I get to that next level? What do I need to do to get to that next level? You know what I mean?
"I'm going to study film harder. I'm going to work harder. I'm going to prepare better. I'm going to eat cleaner, just to get to that next level. I need to be on that next level. That's with anything, especially when it comes to football."
