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Falcons’ running back committee delivering

Falcons running back Antone Smith breaks away from Saints safety Jairus Byrd picking up a block from Levine Toilolo for a 54-yard touchdown during the third quarter in their NFL football game on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2014, in Atlanta.

Credit: Curtis Compton

Credit: Curtis Compton

Falcons running back Antone Smith breaks away from Saints safety Jairus Byrd picking up a block from Levine Toilolo for a 54-yard touchdown during the third quarter in their NFL football game on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2014, in Atlanta.
By
Sept 7, 2014

The Falcons used a running back by committee approach against the Saints on Sunday.

Steven Jackson started the game before being followed by Jacquizz Rodgers, Devonta Freeman and Antone Smith.

The approached paid dividends.

Jackson and Rodgers received the bulk of the carries from scrimmage, but Freeman was the first one to make a major impact by picking up a key first down in the red zone in the second quarter.

Later in the third quarter, Smith broke loose for a 54-yard touchdown run that gave the Falcons their first lead of the game, 24-20.

About the Author

Honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his "long and distinguished reporting in the field of pro football," D. Orlando Ledbetter, Esq. has covered the NFL 28 seasons. A graduate of Howard University, he's a winner of Georgia Sportswriter of the Year and three Associated Press Sports Editor awards.

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