SEATTLE — After Dwight Freeney arrived in Seattle, Frank Clark immediately started soaking up everything that Freeney did.

Even the little things like how Freeney prepared for a practice became notes that Clark stored away. It was the kind of preparation the third-year defensive end hadn’t seen to that extent.

“His preparation. How long he takes. Practice starts at 2 p.m., he’s going to take an hour-and-a-half to get ready for that practice,” Clark said. “I’m not sure if that’s because of his age, I’m not sure if it’s because he’s 16 years in, but at the end of the day it has something to do with why he’s played 16 years. I’m sure it didn’t just come overnight. I’m sure it’s something he’s going to continue to do.”

Freeney doesn’t necessarily disagree with what Clark has been noticing.

“Now, it takes me 45 minutes to do anything,” he joked.

It’s only been three games, but Freeney’s influence has already been noticed on the field and in the locker room. Freeney’s fourth game with Seattle will come against a familiar foe when the Seahawks host Atlanta on Monday night. Freeney has already passed former teammate Robert Mathis on the all-time sacks list and is one behind Derrick Thomas for 16th.

Atlanta knows firsthand the kind of boost Freeney can provide. It was a year ago the Falcons signed Freeney to be their pass-rush specialist. He played in 15 regular-season games as Atlanta had the best record in the NFC and reached the Super Bowl. Freeney had three sacks in the regular season with Atlanta, a number he’s already matched with Seattle.