Ito Smith is the Atlanta Falcons best option at running back

There was a lot of talk about a healthy Devonta Freeman making a big difference for the Atlanta Falcons in 2019, after game one, his status has become much clearer.

Two of Devonta Freeman’s first three years with the Atlanta Falcons, he was among the best most productive running backs in the National Football League. In both 2015 & 2016, Freeman had more than 1500 yards from the line of scrimmage, including more than 1000 yards rushing. In both those years, he was a Pro Bowl selection and secured one of the richest contracts for running backs at that point.

It is safe to say, the Falcons need to move on from Devonta Freeman at this point.

Among an awful showing today in Minnesota, it became clear that Ito Smith is the Falcons best running back. Freeman spent too much moving east and west instead of north and south. He struggled to hit holes, could not beat anyone to the edge, and still struggles with pass blocking.

While some will blame the Falcons offensive line for Freeman’s 2.4 yards per carry today, the problem is Ito Smith averaged more than five yards per carry behind that same offensive line.

Dalvin Cook is four years younger than Devonta Freeman and spent his childhood emulating the Falcons running back. They both attended the same high school and college and had the same success along the way. Cook ran north and south today while his childhood idol struggled to find his place on the field.

Freeman’s contract allows the Falcons an out at the end of this year and could be a really attractive player before the trade deadline given that contract. Having young backs like Smith, Brian Hill, and Qadree Ollison, the Falcons would be better served to get the younger guys going and move on from a player that is often injured and seems to nothing more than dead weight at this point.

This may seem like an overreaction after a bad loss, but if you watched the game, you yourself were asking many of the same questions we did in regards to Devonta Freeman.

Ito Smith is the best running back on this Falcons roster and it is time he gets the bulk of carries as the Falcons featured back.