Falcons RB Freeman to ‘man up’ blocking Watt

At some point, Falcons running back Devonta Freeman is going to have to help block Texans pass-rushing terror J.J. Watt.

Freeman will be giving up about seven inches and about 70 pounds in that matchup. In addition to the size mismatch, Watt is superlatively quick, flexible and comes at the quarterback from several different positions and angles.

Freeman said he’s ready for the challenge.

“He’s a man,” Freeman said. “He’s going to man up; I’ve got to man up. We all know he’s a beast but if I’ve got to block him I’ve got to do what I’ve got to do to block him. That’s how I approach it.”

Freeman replaced Tevin Coleman in the starting lineup against the Cowboys on Sunday and rushed for 141 yards on 30 carries.

According to Pro Football Focus, Freeman helped in pass protection six times against the Cowboys and was responsible for one of two hits against quarterback Matt Ryan. By the web site’s count that’s the only pressure, hit or sack allowed by Freeman in 15 plays in pass protection this season.

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