Justin Blalock blocks out rookie memories

Flowery Branch — Justin Blalock feels good about going to work. That wasn’t always the case.

The Falcons’ left guard was thrown into the starting lineup last season as a rookie. The second-round draft pick had trouble picking up stunts and coping with the other demands of playing in the NFL trenches.

He was eventually benched late in the season.

Under a new coaching staff, Blalock is back in the starting lineup. Things appear to be progressing much smoother.

“It sort of feels that way,” Blalock said. “The new coaches have helped as well. I feel very good about going to work.”

The Falcons are second in the league in rushing this season, with Michael Turner being the top individual yardage gainer.

“Through the first five games [the offensive line has] gelled together and have opened up holes,” Falcons coach Mike Smith said.

The new coaching regime felt Blalock had the intelligence to pick up the nuisances of blocking. He scored a 41 on the 50-question wonderlic intelligence test at the NFL scouting combine.

They didn’t know how he’d battle back from the rough rookie campaign. After evaluating him on film, Falcons offensive line coach Paul Boudreau felt the rigors of an NFL season got to Blalock.

“It’s a marathon, not a sprint,” Boudreau said.

“I just wasn’t performing like I needed to,” Blalock said. “With a year under my belt, I have a better idea of what expected and how to go about getting it done.”

Blalock, who last season had to play along side four different starting left tackles, may have wore down.

“I think that was the case last year with Justin,” Boudreau said. “His head was spinning and he wasn’t playing very fast. You can see him playing faster now.”

Blalock has played his part in the line’s resurgence. In addition to their run prowess, the pass protection has improved immensely. They didn’t allow a sack last week and quarterback Matt Ryan was not hit while in the pocket.

“I think he knows his opponents better,” Boudreau said. “He’s played a couple of these teams already twice in his life. I think he’s in a situation now where, if the other four guys are hauling downfield then he’s going to be part of it. That’s the fun part of it.”

Blalock didn’t have to question Boudreau’s knowledge of the pro game after being taught by a rookie NFL line coach last season (Mike Summers). Boudreau is in his 22nd season coaching in the NFL.

“He’s a guy that’s been around and has a lot of offer on the mental side as well,” Blalock said. “That’s another big key. Coach Boudreau has seen a lot of things. He can see things in football that maybe I would not see.”

Veteran center Todd McClure believes Blalock’s play has gone up a level.

“For sure, you see that with a lot of young guys,” McClure said. “They come in as rookies, and the jump up from their first year to second year is huge.

“They start to see things a little better and you’re not just focused on your guy. You can see things going on around you and that makes you a better player when you get to that point.”

Blalock and rookie left tackle Sam Baker did have a mix up earlier this season on a stunt that resulted in a sack.

“This week that will be a great test because this line on defense is talented and they will give you more line stunts than what we’ve played against to date,” Boudreau said of the Chicago Bears. “We’re going to have our hands full.”

The Bears’ defensive line is seven players deep as they rotate in fresh bodies.

“There ain’t one over there that you can pick on,” Boudreau said. “They’re all pretty good. We will have to win the one-on-one battles.”