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Atlanta Falcons: Ranking the running backs in the NFC South

By Freddie Boston

Nov 22, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) runs against the Indianapolis Colts during the first half at the Georgia Dome. The Colts defeated the Falcons 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) runs against the Indianapolis Colts during the first half at the Georgia Dome. The Colts defeated the Falcons 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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2. Doug Martin

2015 stats: 1,673 all-purpose yards, seven touchdowns

After two disappointing seasons, Doug Martin needed to bounce back. Injuries derailed his career after an exceptional rookie campaign in 2012, but he was close to his best in 2015, rushing for 1,402 yards and six touchdowns.

With a rookie quarterback in Jameis Winston, the Buccaneers needed to be able to hand the football off and rely on Martin to deliver, and he did just that time and again.

Martin can be the engine the offense needs moving forward. Winston will continue to develop as a young quarterback, and has the potential to become one of the best in the league, but he will still need help from his ground game.

Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson offer dangerous threats in the air, but Martin remains one of the most important players on the entire roster, and one of the league’s premier running backs.

If not for a certain breakout star in Atlanta, Martin would be ranked top of this list. Put him in another division and he would likely be first. Not in the NFC South.

Next: No. 1

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