It's clear Ryan Schraeder has a lot of fight in him. That was evident when the Atlanta Falcons offensive tackle put a punch combination on teammate Jacques Smith during training camp.
The quickness of hands the 6-foot-7-inch, 300-pound Schraeder displayed that day was no accident. He worked on it earlier this year.
"I did a little MMA this offseason,'' Schraeder said of his mixed martial arts training. "Not a lot because once we started back lifting weights, I had to kind of calm down on it because it exerts you pretty much. I did it at a place in Suwanee (Ga.). I didn't do it enough that I was going to be a freaking MMA fighter, but I did it a few times.
"It was tough, man. I did it more for the handwork, not to be able to fight people."
Schraeder has a fight on his hands Thursday night as the Falcons play their final exhibition game at Jacksonville. He is one of three candidates for the right tackle spot vacated by rookie Jake Matthews, who moved over to left tackle after Sam Baker suffered a season-ending knee injury. Schraeder is the dark horse in a battle with Lamar Holmes and Gabe Carimi.
Offensive line coach Mike Tice spoke on the right tackle battle earlier this week. He likes Schraeder's intelligence, toughness and athleticism, but says Schraeder needs to be more consistent with his technique.
Schraeder, who started four games at right tackle last season, just wants an opportunity.
"I'm just going to do what they tell me to do, man,'' Schraeder said. "All I know is to control what I can control, get better, and fix the mistakes. I feel pretty confident I can play in this league. It's just a matter of performing well.
"There are going to be little stupid things. The best thing to do it try to minimize that, just stay focused on my job, and just make sure my guy doesn't make the play. Then, good things will happen."
