Since making back-to-back Pro Bowls in 2015 and 2016, Falcons running back Devonta Freeman has missed a combined 16 games over the past two seasons. Despite injury concerns, the team may have no choice but to rely heavily on Freeman this year.
Tevin Coleman, Atlanta’s leading rusher in 2018, signed with the 49ers in free agency. While the team does have two promising young backs in Ito Smith and Brian Hill, neither has proven they can handle a significant role just yet.
It looks like Atlanta will add another running back in the upcoming NFL draft, but not until the later rounds, meaning this group is not likely to get a major upgrade this year.
The question is if can Freeman return to form. Count Falcons head coach Dan Quinn as a believer.
“He’s a factor in the run game for sure based on his slashing style but he’s also a really good receiver. He’s one of those guys who has a lot to prove and heading into the season that’s a good thing,” Quinn said of Freeman during an interview at the scouting combine.
When healthy, Freeman for accounted for over 1,500 all-purpose yards and 13 total touchdowns in consecutive years, helping Atlanta reach the Super Bowl in 2016. The Falcons missed the playoffs last season, and Freeman’s absence certainly played a role.
The team will need their highly-paid back at his best next year to take some pressure off of Matt Ryan. If he can truly become Devonta Freeman again, it will answer a lot of questions for their offense.
