Atlanta Falcons: Is Devonta Freeman Still a Top Running Back?

The Atlanta Falcons have a big question mark when it comes to the running back position. What type of player Devonta Freeman is at this point in his career is a big unknown for Atlanta.

In 2016 Devonta Freeman established himself as a top-ten running with the Atlanta Falcons rushing for over 1,000-yards and consistently giving the team a run game. He followed it up with another good season before hitting an injury wall.

The past two seasons Freeman hasn’t been even close to the same player he was during Atlanta’s Super Bowl run.

He only played in two games last season and looked lethargic and injured when he did play. He didn’t have the same quickness that made him so elusive during his best two seasons.

The last two seasons leave the question exactly how good is Freeman now? This season will be the answer to that question and likely decide if Freeman has a future with Atlanta.

If he falls to injury or fails to produce once again Atlanta will likely move on from the running back. But if he is healthy Devonta is going to remind the Falcons just how good of a running back he is. Despite the injuries Freeman can still be a productive running back.

He is only twenty-seven and doesn’t rely on speed. He is a jump cut back who can run away from you or through you using his low center of gravity.

Freeman will be huge for the Falcons this season considering they no long have Tevin Coleman to rely on. If Freeman can be productive the Atlanta offense will once again be one of the top scoring teams in the League.

If not, Atlanta will once again have to rely on Matt Ryan carrying the team solely passing the ball without any ground game to count on. More to come as the Falcon’s off-season continues.