ARLINGTON, Tex. – The Falcons spent a lot of time working on their new outside-zone running scheme.
But over the exhibition season and through the first two games, the rushing attack was sub-par.
In the thrilling 39-28 victory over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, the rushing attack finally blossomed behind the offensive line. The Falcons carved up the Cowboys for 158 yards on 32 carries for an averaged of 4.9 yards per carry.
Running back Devonta Freeman gained 141 yards on 30 carries, both career highs, and he added three touchdowns.
“It took a little bit to get going,” right tackle Ryan Schraeder said. “We started getting into our groove. Devonta was going good. He was running as hard as hell. It’s fun to block for a guy like that.”
Quarterback Matt Ryan credited the offensive line and fullback Patrick DiMarco for doing a lot of the heavily lifting that allowed him, Freeman and wide receiver Julio Jones to shine.
“I’m really proud with how our offensive line played,” Ryan said. “Also, with how Devonta stepped up and played a great game for us. He had something like 190 total yards.”
Freeman amassed 193 total yards.
On Freeman’s first touchdown run, DiMarco knocked Dallas linebacker Kyle Wilber into the middle of next week with a crushing lead block. When tight end Jacob Tamme left the game with a concussion, DiMarco had to split some of the backup tight end duties in some formations.
“Pat was an unsung hero for us today,” Ryan said. “Pat was the chameleon today. He stepped in and played a bunch of different positions and did a great job. He also got the run game going for us.”
Schraeder believes offensive line can keep the running game moving forwards.
“I think you’re going to see that for the rest of the year,” Schraeder said. “We are just going to keep getting better.”
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