The load is Devonta Freeman’s to carry.
The Falcons running back still wants to do more.
Freeman made this third straight start and was again dominant with 197 all-purpose yards and a touchdown in the Falcons’ 25-19 overtime win over the Redskins Sunday.
“That’s my mentality,” Freeman said of getting the majority of the carries. “I’m a running back. I came into the league to be the workhorse, to be the pounder, to run the ball, make people miss, catch the ball out of the backfield, block, everything. I’m very comfortable being the workhorse. I just want some more.”
Freeman rushed for 153 yards on 27 carries, a 5.7 yard average. Tevin Coleman, who returned after missing two weeks with a broken rib, carried just two times for three yards.
After having an apparent touchdown reception called back with less than a minute remaining, Freeman scored on a 6-yard run over right end with 30 seconds left. The score gave the Falcons a 19-16 lead. It would be short-lived as the Redskins went 46 yards on four plays to set up the game-tying field goal as time expired in regulation.
Officials ruled that although Freeman broke the plane of the end zone on the reception, he did not control it through the ground.
“They stole one from us,” Freeman said. “I’m still mad right now. We got even.”
In the past three games, Freeman has rushed for 362 yards and seven touchdowns. He also has 177 receiving yards.
The 5-foot-8, 205-pound Freeman seems the perfect fit for the Falcons’ zone-blocking scheme.
“I get the ball and I’m thinking touchdown every play,” Freeman said.
Freeman nearly scored another touchdown earlier in the fourth quarter. However, he fumbled into the end zone and wide receiver Julio Jones pounced on it for Falcons’ first touchdown.
Still, Roddy White credited Freeman’s play for securing the team’s fifth win.
“Devonta played lights out today,” White said. “He kept us in the game.”
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