Written by D. Orlando Ledbetter at AJC.com
Running backs Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman powered a fast start as the Falcons bullied the outmanned San Francisco 49ers on their way to a 41-13 victory on Sunday.
The Falcons’ march back to the playoffs continued before a festive crowd of 70,164 fans at the Georgia Dome.
Freeman, running with authority, carried the ball 20 times for 139 yards and three touchdowns. It was the third time in his career he has rushed for three touchdowns in a game. Coleman added 58 yards on 13 carries.
“I think we did a good job running the ball,” Freeman said. “The offensive line did a good job blocking and creating lanes, Patrick DiMarco (too).”
Freeman broke loose after he was stuffed for 6 yards on six carries last week by the Rams.
“Just believing in each other,” Freeman said. “That’s the key. Going out there and executing whatever the coaches call and do what we are capable of. When we play as a unit, I feel like we are unstoppable.”
Overall, the Falcons amassed a season-high 248 rushing yards on 41 carries against the 49ers.
“It was good to see our offensive line and the run game take control of this game like they did today,” Falcons coach Dan Quinn said.
The Falcons improved to 9-5 and insured a winning regular-season record for the first time since the 2012 season. With Tampa Bay’s 26-20 loss to Dallas, the Falcons have a one-game lead with two games to play in the NFC South.
If the playoffs started today, the Falcons would be the No. 3 seed in the NFC.
It was San Francisco’s 13th consecutive loss as they dropped to 1-13.
Here are the five things we learned from the win:
1. Standard is high. Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan was efficient as he completed 17 of 23 passes for 282 yards and two touchdowns before being relieved by Matt Schaub in the fourth quarter.
“I think it was probably the first time in my career that I hadn’t played in the end of two games in a row,” Ryan said. “That’s a good trend. That doesn’t happen very often.”
For the second week in a row the Falcons were playing one the weakest teams in the league.
Last week, they Falcons jumped on the Rams and built a 42-0 lead. Against the 49ers, the Falcons didn’t play down to their level as they took care of their business early. The Falcons built a big lead with three first-quarter touchdowns.
To continue reading this article, click here.
