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Atlanta Falcons vs San Francisco 49ers: The Good, Bad, and Ugly

By John Follett

Dec 18, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) scores a long rushing touchdown in the third quarter of their game against the San Francisco 49ers at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons won 41-13. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) scores a long rushing touchdown in the third quarter of their game against the San Francisco 49ers at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons won 41-13. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 18, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) celebrates his rushing touchdown with tight end Levine Toilolo (80) and wide receiver Aldrick Robinson (19) in the third quarter of their game against the San Francisco 49ers at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons won 41-13. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) celebrates his rushing touchdown with tight end Levine Toilolo (80) and wide receiver Aldrick Robinson (19) in the third quarter of their game against the San Francisco 49ers at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons won 41-13. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

The Good

Devonta Freeman

After looking awful in limited action against the Rams, Devonta Freeman needed to have a big game. 20 carries, 139 yards, and 3 touchdowns…yeah, I’d say the man delivered. I’m not sure we’ve seen Freeman ever run as hard as he did today and it was liberating for me. Many fans are happy to watch “Matty Ice” toss 300+ yards. Me, I’m the nut-job who has lost sleep over the fact we hadn’t seen Freeman rush for over 100 yards since Week 3.

Offensive line

The offensive line was simply awesome on Sunday. The Falcons averaged 6 yards per carry and only once did the O-line allow a pressure. Atlanta came out of the gates running up the gut, where Alex Mack and Chris Chester opened gaping holes on the right side. Atlanta initially struggled to gain through the left-side, but all was well when Devonta Freeman took a stretch play to the house for his 3rd touchdown. Jake Matthews definitely looked like himself again.

https://twitter.com/NFL/status/810631391515770880

Matt Ryan

All game and I can think of maybe a couple long balls down the sideline that Matt Ryan missed. He was accurate and he made great decisions. Many are in awe over his long completion to Aldrick Robinson. Me, I’m in awe over the 4th quarter screen pass he threw to Taylor Gabriel. I’m not sure Matt Ryan of 2012 makes that read and exposes the corner blitz.

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    • Eric Weems

    Weems’s only chance to remain relevant with the Falcons is through special teams. Many fans will continue to hate but it was nice to see Weems with a couple of solid punt returns. His big return in the 1st quarter set up Atlanta’s first scoring drive. Weems also had a big return in the 3rd quarter that was negated by a bogus holding call on Justin Hardy.

    Brooks Reed

    Reed played football to the sound of “Master of Puppets” today. The box score credits him with 1 tackle, but the guy was all over the place and part of every swarm. Reed got Dominique-type height when he leaped up and batted down a Kaepernick pass in the 4th quarter.

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