The Atlanta Falcons are looking to get back into the win column against the Tennessee Titans in Week 4 of the 2019 NFL season. They are hoping that this could finally be the week that running back Devonta Freeman breaks out.
It is no secret that Freeman has gotten off to a slow start to the year. He has rushed for just 129 yards on 35 carries and still has yet to reach the end zone through the first three games.
There were high hopes that Freeman would be poised for a big year following the departure of his former backfield mate in Tevin Coleman. However, running back Ito Smith has managed to etch out a complementary role for himself early and had eaten into his workload early on. Fortunately, this week's favorable matchup against the Titans could be just what he needs to find his rhythm.
Head coach Dan Quinn has put an emphasis on wanting to balance out their approach on offense by establishing the run in recent weeks. It finally managed to come to fruition in Week 3 against the Indianapolis Colts when Freeman snagged back the lion's share of touches in the backfield with 16 carries to Smith's lone carry. He managed to make the most of it with 88 yards while finishing his third straight game with at least three receptions.
The Titans' defense has proven to be rather porous against the run this year after giving up 119.0 yards per game, which ranks them 21st in the league. Their vulnerability to getting gashed for big runs has been well-documented given the seven 10-plus yard runs they have allowed. Freeman's speedy skill set should make him a nightmare matchup for the opposition.
There is no question that Freeman was well-deserving of the lucrative contract extension he signed prior to the 2017 campaign despite missing all of last season with a groin injury. Although he is still looking to provide them with plenty of bang for their buck, the fault for his slow start hardly lies solely on the two-time Pro Bowler.
There is certainly no shortage of firepower in Atlanta's offense. Unfortunately, they still have yet to truly maximize its potential under offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter. With Freeman's versatile skill set as both a runner and a receiver, it should not be too difficult to get him the ball out in space where he can go to work. It will be interesting to see if the Titans game serves as a catapult for Freeman to get back to his Pro Bowl ways.
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