Atlanta Falcons Depth Chart 2020 Atlanta Falcons Depth Chart

Is Devonta Freeman back from injury?

While the talk is all about Atlanta’s new offensive line, it’s also important to turn our attention to the running back who’s likely going to benefit from those improvements. After only appearing in 2 games last year, Freeman will undoubtedly be excited to be back on the field and resume his great skills from 2015-2017. When fully healthy, he’s one of the best backs in the league and so fun to watch. Within his second to fourth years in the league that saw him as a starter, Freeman scored 29 times through the ground and another 6 times through the air.

He’s a force in the running game and has the ability to be one of the most dominant backs in the league. However, coming off an injury, it’s not unreasonable to think he might not be the same player after the injury. He likely won’t see too much action in preseason which should help keep him fresh for the regular season. The good news for Freeman is his great history as a lethal back and there’s no question that he’ll be the first option in the Falcons’ backfield. 

RB depth behind Freeman

Behind Freeman will be a few good but not great options. Perhaps the weakest skill group on the offense, the running back spot is heavily front loaded on Freeman who figures to get a majority of touches. However, do expect Ito Smith, Brian Hill, and Kenjon Barner to receive some opportunities. If none of those names sound familiar, no worries. Smith is entering his second year in the league and rushed for 315 yards in year 1. He’s a decent option as the #2 back but doesn’t present anything too exciting.

Hill only has 31 carries to his name and has been a journeyman thus far into his career. Originally drafted by the Falcons back in 2017, this will be his second stint with the team after he carried for 157 yards last season. Barner has been around the league the longest but has yet to make much of a major impact. Barner has the most experience out of the trio and is likely to be both a rushing and receiving back for Atlanta. However, with Freeman slated to get the majority of looks, don’t expect Barner to get more than a few touches per game. 

Is Matt Ryan elite?

After his MVP season in 2016, Ryan took a major step back in 2017. However, his stats last year were reminiscent of 2016 and might even persuade fans that the real Ryan is back. He passed for 4,924 yards and 35 TDs last season and threw for a career low 1.2% interception rate. If this is truly the real Ryan, the Falcons might have a legitimate shot at the playoffs once again.

Compared to other quarterbacks, Ryan has never been the greatest passer or regarded as an elite QB. However, if he keeps this level of production up and proves to people that 2016 wasn’t a fluke, we could be witnessing a veteran quarterback entering the prime of his career. With Freeman back at the running back spot, teams will likely spread out their defense a bit more and allow Ryan to be even more precise with his passes.