Atlanta Falcons: It’s Devonta Freeman’s Time To Shine
By Sam Kweon
Despite all the rumors and talks about who the new running back will be in 2015 for the Atlanta Falcons, is it time to look at who the Falcons already have in Devonta Freeman?
The Atlanta Falcons’ most uncertain position right now is arguably at running back.
Heading into the off-season, it was unknown of whether Steven Jackson would be back or not as a Dirty Bird in 2015. That question was answered early as Thomas Dimitroff didn’t waste any time in releasing the veteran running back.
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Ever since then, it has been rumors after rumor. It was reported that the Falcons were in hard pursuit of Justin Forsett in free agency. Talks about bringing Adrian Peterson to Atlanta grew as well. The latest rumors have the Atlanta Falcons simply drafting Todd Gurley or Melvin Gordon in the first round.
Just wait for a second, clear all rumors in your head and look who the Falcons currently have on the team.
Antone Smith is a great depth player that averaged over 6.3 yards per carry in 2014.
Atlanta Falcons Current RB’s
- Devonta Freeman
- Antone Smith
- Jerome Smith
Starting with Antone Smith – Smith is an amazing depth player that can handle duties in the passing game as well as the running game. In 2013, Smith averaged 29 yards per carry for 145 yards and 2 TD’s, and 2014 was no joke either. Last season, Smith averaged 6.3 ypc for 144 yards and 2 TD’s, and even added 222 yards (17 yards per catch) for 3 TD’s through the air.
So the back-up is already there…
Is it just time to hand over the reigns to Devonta Freeman, and let him shine?
Freeman was impressive in his rookie season behind a porous line, showing flashes of his up-going potential. He hit holes hard, and always seemed to have the fight to churn out a couple more yards after contact.
Instead of bringing in a new rookie or an old veteran, why not let the player, who obviously may be the future, just shine?