Freeman not making any guarantees after Pro Bowl season

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) – Falcons running back Devonta Freeman rose to the top of his field last season, getting named to the Pro Bowl in his second NFL season.

That success gives him the benefit of the doubt with the coaching staff, but Freeman says he isn’t leaving anything for chance in the team’s mandatory mini-camp this week.

Freeman began last season as Atlanta’s No. 2 running back behind rookie Tevin Coleman, but a rib injury Coleman suffered in Week 2 gave Freeman the chance to take charge.

He ran for over 1,000 yards, finishing seventh in the NFL and tying for the league lead with 14 combined touchdowns.

Freeman isn’t counting on an automatic repeat. He says he must put in the work, even to retain his starting job.