Devonta Freeman helping Atlanta Falcons’ playoff push, and what’s going on with Roddy White?

Oct 4, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) runs after a catch in the second quarter of their game against the Houston Texans at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons won 48-21. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

4. Falcons run game bodes well for playoff run

Kyle Shanahan gets it. To have success in the playoffs, you need to be able to do two things—run the ball and stop the run. The latter is out of his control, although the Falcons have done a great job of it so far this season. But one thing he can influence is the rushing offense, which is on fire right now.

Coach Shanahan wants to achieve balance on an offense which has been one-dimensional in recent years. When you have Matt Ryan and Julio Jones on your team, you of course want to throw the football often, but balance is at the heart of successful football teams. With Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman to go with improved offensive line play, the Falcons have this.

Freeman can be what Eddie Lacy is to the Packers, or Le’Veon Bell is to the Steelers. Both offenses dominate in the pass with great quarterback play and elite wide receivers, but the addition of their respective backs has taken the units to different stratospheres. Teams actually stack the box against Aaron Rodgers and the Packers, all due to the respect they must give Lacy.

And now we will see similar looks on defense to stop Freeman. They must pick their poison—stack the box and open up space for Julio Jones and Leonard Hankerson, or sit back and let Freeman carve you open.

To find success in the playoffs, you must be able to run the football. Freeman is playing lights out right now, and Coleman will be the perfect complement when he returns from injury.

Next: What's going on, Roddy?