What a healthy Freeman will look like in 2019 for the Atlanta Falcons
When Devonta Freeman is healthy, he is one of the most diverse and explosive running backs in the league. This season, with the new look offensive line and system that the Atlanta Falcons have molded, will mark the return of the Pro Bowl version of Freeman.
Last season was an injury plagued one for Freeman. He appeared in just two games for the Atlanta Falcons and did next to nothing in both of those games. Now that he has had plenty of time to heal and regain his strength, it is possible that the Freeman of old could once again grace Atlanta Falcons fans with his presence.
In 2015 and 2016, his two pro bowl seasons, he rushed for over 1,000 yards both seasons and finished with 11 touchdowns.
On top of these impressive rushing numbers, he proved to be a dangerous receiving weapon out of the backfield. He finished the 2015 season with 73 receptions for 578 yards and three touchdowns. He finished the 2016 season with 54 receptions for 462 yards and two touchdowns.
By the end of the 2017 season he had finished with 865 yards and seven touchdowns. All three of these seasons were impressive and showed the rest of the league what he was capable of when healthy.
If Freeman can stay healthy this season, it is possible that he could finish with another 1,000 yard season, however, I think the Atlanta Falcons will be careful with how they use him this season.
I don’t believe he will finish with 1,000 yards rushing. I think he will finish with around 700 yards rushing on 160 carries. I think he will tally seven touchdowns on the ground, with at least four or five of those coming in the redzone.
I think he can still be used a weapon through the air. If used properly, he could finish with 400 yards receiving on 45 receptions with two touchdowns.
Realistically, 700 yards on 160 carries with seven touchdowns on the ground with an additional 400 receiving yards on 45 receptions and two touchdowns would be a great bounce back year for him, especially with the young talent behind him now taking some of the load off.
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Do not expect a pro bowl caliber season from Freeman, but as Falcons fans, as long as he can stay healthy and produce, should be what we really want from him anyway.