Moving from cornerback to free safety has had a number of benefits for Ricardo Allen. Near, if not at the top, of that list is his license to roam the field at will.
Safeties have a greater impact in the run game than corners, and Allen, who’s embraced a physical style at his new position, has done a tremendous job slowing down opposing RBs in recent weeks. According to Pro Football Focus, the 23-year-old has the third-best run defense grade on the Falcons and ninth-best among NFL safeties.
“As a free safety, the majority of the time, if it’s not a pass and people aren’t running down the field, you’re free,” he said.