Poll: Falcons Fans Choose Freeman

Devonta Freeman scored 13 total touchdowns for the Atlanta Falcons in 2017, leading the team. Will he lead the team again in 2017? Falcons fans sure think so.

59% of those who responded to the poll voted for Devonta Freeman to lead the team in touchdowns next season, making him a strong favorite. Logic follows this result, as Freeman is most often in a position to score of the players listed in the poll. His uncanny cutting and power running style make him the preferred goal-line back, giving him more touches where he is likely to score.

Freeman’s position also gives him an edge, as teams typically prefer to run the ball when they are near the endzone. Yes, crossing routes and fades to wide receivers as athletic as Julio Jones can be effective to score from the goalline, but there isn’t as much field to spread out as a team gets closer to the endzone, thus many teams prefer to play it safe and run the ball.

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Also, while Freeman is competing for carries with Tevin Coleman (and maybe Brian Hill or Terron Ward), he faces nowhere near the competition that wide receivers face with one another and the tight ends. Julio Jones can embarrass any corner with fade, and can also take a five yard slant the distance. Taylor Gabriel was lethal on screens last season, and his speed makes him a touchdown threat on almost every play. Mohamed Sanu is a more than capable WR2, and Justin Hardy’s great hands make him still open in tight coverage. With all these options, Matt Ryan will likely spread receiving touchdowns around.

However, as is the nature of the NFL, anything can happen. Maybe Tevin Coleman’s downhill running ability takes a step forward and he takes a few more carries to the house next season, or Taylor Gabriel becomes even more effective in the open field. Freeman is the safe choice to lead the Falcons in touchdowns next season, but don’t rule the other playmakers out.

Next: Five Burning Questions Facing the Atlanta Falcons in 2017