Injuries hampered Steven Jackson’s first season with the Falcons and this year he’s sharing the workload with three other running backs. He’s on pace to finish with the fewest carries per game (12.6) since his rookie season of 2004.
Jackson said he becomes more effective as he gets more carries because of his physical running style.
“I don’t know a running back that don’t want the ball,” he said. “I think my track record speaks for itself. If you look at the history of my style, when I’m productive, I am in a rhythm. Those things are proof in the pudding. But at the same time when I came to this organization, my role was going to change and I knew that.”
The Falcons signed Jackson to a three-year, $12 million free agent contract ($4 million guaranteed) in March 2013. He had been the featured back for most of his nine seasons with the Rams.
This season the Falcons have split carries among halfbacks Jackson (63 carries), Jacquizz Rodgers (19), Devonta Freeman (19) and Antone Smith (11).
Jackson’s 3.5 yards per carry average in 2013 was the lowest of his career and his 3.8 yard per carry average so far this season matches the 2010 season for second-lowest.
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