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Atlanta Falcons: Five Players Who Exceeded Expectations

By Colin Hubbard

November 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Atlanta Falcons tight end Jacob Tamme (83) reaches for the football during the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi
November 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Atlanta Falcons tight end Jacob Tamme (83) reaches for the football during the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi /
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1) Devonta Freeman

Jan 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) runs for yards against New Orleans Saints defensive back Kyle Wilson (24) in the first quarter of their game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) runs for yards against New Orleans Saints defensive back Kyle Wilson (24) in the first quarter of their game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

Devonta Freeman very well could be the biggest feel-good story in the NFL after what he was able to accomplish in 2015. It’s rather incredible when you put it into perspective.

Freeman made his first NFL start in week 3 against the Dallas Cowboys and the rest is history. Freeman finished with 1,061 yards rushing and 578 yards receiving. Freeman led the league in rushing touchdowns with 11 and caught three more through the air to finish at a total of 14.

Freeman’s 1,639 yards from scrimmage led all running backs in 2015 and was far beyond any expectation Freeman had at the start of 2015. Freeman’s tremendous season was rewarded with a spot in the 2016 Pro Bowl.

The most amazing thing about Freeman’s season was how it started. Freeman wasn’t even the opening day starter. That job was awarded to rookie Tevin Coleman. If it weren’t for Coleman’s week 2 injury, Freeman’s season may not have turned out the way it did which further puts his season into perspective.

The Falcons have finally found their franchise running back after struggling to run the ball for the past three years and Freeman is more than capable of carrying the load for many more years to come.

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