Falcons optimistic about Devonta Freeman’s progress this offseason

For the Falcons to get their run game back into respectable territory, they’ll need more than just a few offensive line upgrades. Atlanta also has to get better performances from the players in their backfield.

On that score, the single most crucial factor will be how well starting running back Devonta Freeman plays. Freeman missed all but two games of the 2018 season. To say the Falcons struggled running the ball without him would be an understatement. The team finished the year ranked No. 27 in the league in rushing yards per game and Football Outsiders put them at No. 22 in rushing DVOA.

Coach Dan Quinn gave some positive updates on Freeman this morning. Speaking with 92.9 The Game, Quinn said the team was guarded about him early this offseason but Freeman is “cutting violently” and working well.

Dan Quinn told @tbm929 & Rob Tribble the Falcons were guarded at the beginning of the offseason about Devonta Freeman. But the Atlanta running has been cutting violently, working well and that's a good thing for the Falcons heading into the summer.

— 92.9 The Game (@929TheGame) June 10, 2019

Tevin Coleman is an impressive running back in his own right, but it’s clear the team missed Freeman’s decisive one-cut-and-go style in 2018.

When he’s healthy, Freeman is one of the top running backs in the league. From 2015-2016, Julio Jones was the only player in the NFL who produced more total yards from scrimmage.