The Atlanta Falcons want a run game in 2015. Since the departure of Michael Turner, the ground game has been a struggle for the team. With Dan Quinn in at head coach and Kyle Shanahan taking over the offense, emphasis will be place on the run game as Atlanta seeks out a workhorse to help carry the rushing load and the coaching staff believes that player could be Devonta Freeman and not Steven Jackson.
The Atlanta Journal Constitution is reporting that Jackson's time with the Falcons is likely over. The team is not expected to pick up the final year of his contract and will release the veteran after two seasons filled with injuries and inconsistencies. The idea that Jacquizz Rodgers goes with him is not crazy considering he never truly had a place with the team to begin with. That leaves Freeman who general manager Thomas Dimitroff believes can be a featured back while Quinn loves the skillset he brings to the offense.
"My first impression: I can feel the quickness," Quinn said, via NFL.com. "In our outside zone scheme I thought this is tailor-made for a guy who can really explode off the edge. I love this guy's competitive spirit."
Freeman's rookie season was quiet, but showed plenty of promise. The rookie running back put up 248 yards off 65 carries while adding another 225 yards receiving off 30 catches. He has the versatility and quickness to be a real threat in the backfield with more responsibility. However, just because the Falcons like what they see in Freeman does not mean the team will not add at least one more player to the mix after Jackson and Rodgers depart.
According to ESPN.com, the Falcons are eyeing current Baltimore Ravens rusher Justin Forsett who is set to be a free agent this summer. He is coming off a career-high season in place of Ray Rice, putting up 1,266 yards and eight touchdowns. He is familiar with Quinn and has experience in a zone-blocking offensive scheme that Shanahan will fun. He and Freeman would form a solid one-two punch on the group for the Falcons after the team finished 24th in the league in rushing.
The NFL rumor mill has the Falcons linked to a number of running backs in free agency. Mark Ingram could be a good fit for Atlanta as he prepares to exit the New Orleans Saints as a free agent. Frank Gore could be an option if he does not re-sign with the San Francisco 49ers. CJ Spiller might get a look, but his contract demands could be too high for the Falcons.