Atlanta Falcons: Devonta Freeman named dark horse MVP candidate

NFL Spin Zone writer Dan Parzych named Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman the dark horse MVP candidate for the franchise

After seeing quarterback Matt Ryan hoist the MVP award in 2016 it would seem he’s the likely candidate to do so again for the Atlanta Falcons. However, there are other guys on the team with exceptional talent that could sneak up and earn some big accolades.

Dan Parzych of NFL Spin Zone touched on this very topic when he selected one player from each team that is a dark horse candidate to win the MVP in 2017. When he discussed the Falcons his choice was running back Devonta Freeman.

"“Matt Ryan and Julio Jones may be the strength behind the success of the unit, but Devonta Freeman seems to be next in line when it comes to receiving a new hefty deal. Watching the running back rush for 2,135 yards to go along with 22 touchdowns over the last two seasons shows how valuable Freeman has been to Atlanta’s offense, and that will be the case once again in 2017” — Parzych, NFL Spin Zone"

Parzych did say that Ryan is naturally the favorite from the team to do so, but his notion that Freeman could also be a possibility isn’t far fetched. Freeman has been incredibly effective over the course of the past two seasons and seems to only get better the more touches he gets.

Having said that, the problem is the amount of touches he gets. Playing for the Falcons lately hasn’t given any backs enough touches to gain any such award. Freeman splits time with the talented Tevin Coleman and rookie Brian Hill figures to get some touches as well in 2017.

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While it’s fun to think of Freeman getting the stats needed to win the award given to the best player in the NFL, it isn’t likely without a huge switch in philosophy by the team.