Falcons defensive end Dwight Freeney is starting to get more comfortable in his new surroundings.
He played eight snaps against the Browns in his debut with the Falcons, but didn’t register a sack or quarterback hit.
The savvy veteran is clearly working himself back into football shape.
“The arrow’s pointing up,” Falcons coach Dan Quinn said about Freeney’s comfort level. “We’re not where we’re going to be all the way yet. We’re just one exhibition game in.”
The Falcons hope to get Freeney more action, especially on third downs, when the Falcons (2-0) play the Miami Dolphins (1-1) at 8 p.m. Thursday in Orlando.
“We’ll (get) him a few more (snaps) in this game and especially to help him get ready on third down,” Quinn said. “That’s the real factor that we’re hoping he can provide for us. That’s such an important down. If he can add some value to the team that way (that would be great). (That’s) absolutely how we’re going to try and emphasize him.”
Winning on third down is key area of emphasis for the Falcons, who were 27th in third down conversion percentage on defense last season. With no pass rush, teams converted 82 of 191 (42.9 percent) of their third down attempts against the Falcons.
Only the New York Giants (47 percent), Jacksonville (46), Tampa Bay (46) and Chicago (44) were ranked behind the Falcons on third down conversion percentage.
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