ATLANTA - Chris Lindstrom had to spend far too much of his rookie year in the NFL imagining how he would prepare for a game. The right guard is more than ready for a full season of reality.
Lindstrom, the No. 14 overall pick in the 2019 draft, broke his right foot in the Atlanta Falcons' opener against the Minnesota Vikings last September. The right guard missed the next 11 games.
"The whole time I was injured, I was preparing like I was playing the game every single week," Lindstrom said. "I'd write down notes: This is what I want to do against this guy."
It was a lost season for Lindstrom and the Falcons, who finished 7-9 despite closing the year with four consecutive wins after the rookie returned from the injury.
Lindstrom is eager to take advantage of the crucial experience gained in those four games as he prepares for his second season. He's had more time to develop chemistry with right tackle Kaleb McGary, another first-round pick last year.
Atlanta's front office and coaches expect Lindstrom and McGary to provide long-term stability on their half of the offensive line, a position group from which the team desperately needs improved play.
Last year's group never achieved the continuity that had been planned. Matt Ryan was sacked a career-high 48 times and missed a game for the first time since 2009 due to an ankle injury on one of the sacks.
Blocking in the running game also was a problem as the Falcons finished ahead of only two teams in rushing. The line must provide better protection for Ryan and better rushing lanes for the team's new top running back, Todd Gurley.
"We know we need to do better as a unit and we're being accountable for that and working toward it," Lindstrom said.
AP file photo by John Bazemore / Atlanta Falcons right guard Chris Lindstrom said he and his fellow offensive linemen must do a better job this season protecting quarterback Matt Ryan and creating holes for the running game.Left tackle Jake Matthews and center Alex Mack are fixtures on the line. Rookie Matt Hennessey, a third-round pick, could start at left guard.
The competition at left guard that could also include James Carpenter, Matt Gono and others. Coach Dan Quinn expects to see Lindstrom and McGary provide more consistent production on the right side of the line.
"No. 1, usually that's when you see a big push in terms of where a player can go to, from rookie year into second year," Quinn said. "Often, that's the case with linemen - both offensive and defensive linemen. Physically, both are doing well."
Linebacker Deion Jones said Lindstrom's final four games last season were impressive.
"The fact he was able to get back out there and feel his foot out and get the chance to get back after it the way he does," Jones said. "He's fast, he's physical. He always wants to be perfect. He's always looking for edges in his game. With Kaleb, they've been growing together and figuring it out together and they've been awesome."