Devonta Freeman arrived at AT&T Stadium on Sunday with an unsightly 2 yards per carry average and a role as the Falcons’ featured back only because of starter Tevin Coleman’s cracked rib.
He left with by far the best game of his brief pro career and a huge jolt of confidence — for himself and his team.
Freeman’s 30-carry, 141-yard, three-touchdown performance in the 39-28 victory over Dallas not only blew away his previous career highs — 12 carries, 38 yards and one TD — it added a dimension to the Atlanta offense that has often been missing in recent years.