Our Week 3 Ground and Pound Award Winner is Atlanta Falcons running back DeVonta Freeman!
Pick our Week 3 #GroundAndPoundAward winner! Which Week 3 rushing performance was most impressive? #RiseUp #DallasCowboys #TitanUp #GoBills
— Best NFL Polls (@Best_NFL_Polls) September 27, 2016
DeVonta Freeman put on a show, tearing through the Saints for 152 yards on 14 carries with another 55 yards and touchdown through the air. Although rushing mate Tevin Coleman got the majority of the redzone carries and touchdowns, Freeman made the most of his touches, averaging over 10 yards per touch. His blend of speed, elusiveness and hard-nosed running was on display all night. His impressive cuts and speed is on display on this run:
ICYMI: @DevontaFreeman was out there sitting people DOWN.
👀 #ATLvsNOhttps://t.co/HYo2cyLsYu
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) September 27, 2016
It’s hard to outproduce Drew Brees and the Saints’ pass-heavy offense (even though the Saints defense won’t try to stop you), but the Falcons outscored the Saints by pounding the ball with a healthy balance of Freeman and Coleman. Freeman is always an effective runner, but like any true workhorse back, he gets stronger as the game goes on. According to NFL.com’s stats, Freeman has averaged 5.4 yards per carry in the 1st quarter, 5.8 yards per carry in the 2nd and 3rd quarters and a whopping 6.4 yards per carry in the final quarter of the game. Most teams can only dream of 5+ yards per carry.
Freeman broke out last year for 1058 yards, 11 touchdowns rushing and 578 yards, 3 touchdowns receiving. He’s on pace this year for 1300+ yards rushing.
DeVonta Freeman is one of the most likable, most charitable guys in the league. While some players found less inspiring ways to make the news during the offseason, Freeman was making headlines for helping an 82-year old woman with her yardwork. Let’s hope this is just the start of a season full of good karma for the Falcons’ young star.
Falcons RB, FSU standout Devonta Freeman lends helping hand to women finishing yard work https://t.co/dYgdqM0eNe pic.twitter.com/IFBXFNNtnl
— Safid Deen (@Safid_Deen) May 3, 2016
(Photo Credit: Derick E. Hingle/USA TODAY Sports)
(Photo Credit: Derick E. Hingle/USA TODAY Sports)