Devonta Freeman active versus Tampa Bay Buccaneers
By John Buhler
Devonta Freeman will start at running back for the Atlanta Falcons against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 13 after clearing the NFL’s concussion protocol.
The Atlanta Falcons will have starting running back Devonta Freeman in their line up for their win or go home game in Week 13 versus their division rival in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Freeman sustained a concussion in the Falcons’ 24-21 home loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 11 and was unable to play in the Falcons’ 20-10 home loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 12.
While his backup rookie tailback Tevin Coleman ran for over 100 yards against Minnesota last week, getting back Freeman helps the Falcons become even more balanced on offense, as he is great in both running the football and receiving out of the backfield.
Atlanta also benefits from not having to go against All-Pro defensive tackle Gerald McCoy in this game. McCoy’s absence should allow Freeman and the rest of the Atlanta Falcons to attack the depleted Buccaneers’ defense more efficiently. Freeman would have an easier time on running dives, counters, and cutbacks without having McCoy clogging the interior running lanes.
Freeman will certainly help struggling Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan in being another reliable receiving target. Only wide receiver Julio Jones has had more receptions in 2015 than Freeman. Having a reliable check down game will allow the patented screen passing game of offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan to become a more effective part of the Falcons’ offense.
Outside of a dismal performance in Week 9 against the San Francisco 49ers, Freeman has been a great offensive playmaker for the Falcons since taking over the starting running back role in Week 3 at Dallas. He usually has over 100 yards on the ground and accumulates 150 all-purpose yards about each week.
While losing wide receiver Leonard Hankerson to season-ending IR hurts, getting back both Freeman and kick returner Devin Hester adds some much-needed explosiveness to the Atlanta Falcons’ offense as the fight for an NFC Wild Card berth down the stretch.