Dan Quinn wants to make sure both Devonta Freeman and Ito Smith get touches

Not much has gone right with the Falcons running game in 2019. A healthy Devonta Freeman and a revamped offensive line were supposed to help this unit get back on track.

Instead, Atlanta is averaging an abysmal 67.6 rush yards per game. Freeman has been ineffective (averaging 3.2 yards per carry). The offensive line has been in shambles and this team has been playing catch-up pretty much all season.

Backup tailback Ito Smith has averaged 5.2 yards per carry, with a touchdown on just 18 attempts. This has led to fans calling for the second-year runner to get more touches.

Falcons head coach Dan Quinn said he intends to make sure both running backs get the ball going forward, as tweeted below by ESPN’s Vaughn McClure.

Dan Quinn said he wants to make sure both guys get the touches when asked about Ito Smith getting more touches. Obviously, Quinn wants to keep Devonta Freeman involved despite struggles. Likes Ito’s vision down in the goal line.

— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) October 9, 2019

Freeman had eleven rushing attempts in Week 5, while Smith had just five. We will see how much this ratio changes against the Cardinals on Sunday.

Smith certainly deserves more touches based on what he’s been able to do in limited opportunities. Freeman is coming off of an injury though, and even if he’s not the player he once was, he can still be an effective weapon for this Falcons offense.