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Ray Rice: 5 Teams That Should Sign Him For A Playoff Run

By Ryan Phillips

Aug 7, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice (27) smiles during the game against the San Francisco 49ers at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 7, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice (27) smiles during the game against the San Francisco 49ers at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 23, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Steven Jackson (39) is gang tackled by the Cleveland Browns during the second half at the Georgia Dome. The Browns defeated the Falcons 26-24. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 23, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Steven Jackson (39) is gang tackled by the Cleveland Browns during the second half at the Georgia Dome. The Browns defeated the Falcons 26-24. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Atlanta Falcons

I know it’s crazy, but at 4-7 the Atlanta Falcons occupy first place in the NFC South. But, as their record shows, the Falcons aren’t a quality team right now.

While Atlanta’s defense is awful and ranks dead-last in the NFL allowing 409.9 yards per game, one positive for the Falcons is that they rank seventh in the NFL in passing yards per game (269.5). The problem is, they are getting just 93.1 yards per game on the ground, which ranks 26th. As a result of their defense’s sieve-like nature and their complete lack of a running game, they rank 27th in the league in time of possession at 28:41 per game. If they want to survive down the stretch and save that terrible defense, the Falcons need to be able to run the ball and work the clock.

Head coach Mike Smith is likely done if he doesn’t turn things around this season. In order to do that, he’ll either need a completely new defense or an improved running game. Steven Jackson is averaging just 3.6 yards per carry, Devonta Freeman and Jacquizz Rodgers are both getting just 3.9 yards per carry and no one else has made a dent rushing the ball.

Smith is a desperate man looking for a way to save his job, adding Rice would give quarterback Matt Ryan the help he sorely needs. His multidimensional ability would give Ryan an outlet in the passing game and also provide someone to take the pressure off of Jackson in the running game.

The Falcons need something to change and Rice would definitely shake things up.

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