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Freeman Up for Top Value Performer Award
If you follow the Atlanta Falcons or Devonta Freeman on Twitter, you have seen tweets regarding how to vote for the Falcons' running back for the Top Value Performer Award.
Freeman's 1,056 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns caught the attention of many, as he is one of five players nominated for the award. Cleveland WR Travis Benjamin, Jacksonville WR Allen Robinson, Minnesota WR Stefon Diggs and QB Tyrod Taylor are the other nominees.
The award is dedicated to recognize the NFL player whose performance most exceeded expectations.
To vote for the Pro Bowler as the Top Value Performer of the 2015 season, click here.
The Falcons' Potential Building Blocks for 2016
Jeff Smith of Fox Sports.com evaluates seven players on Atlanta’s roster who could serve as potential building blocks for the upcoming season:
- WR Julio Jones
- RB Devonta Freeman
- OLB Vic Beasley Jr.
- LB Paul Worrilow
- WR Justin Hardy
- CB Desmond Trufant
- S Ricardo Allen
Despite a six-game skid, the Falcons remained very much in the mix of the playoff conversation until Week 16. The foundation for success is certainly in place with head coach Dan Quinn at the helm. Quinn's core philosophies displayed in the leadership of these seven players, the future of the Falcons seems brighter than ever.
The Logic Behind Choosing the Option to Defer
Every time the Falcons won the coin toss this season, the choice was always to defer, giving possession to start the second half.
Dan Quinn and the Falcons are not the only team to consistently go pick the option to defer. Sports Illustrated's Robert Mays dives into the new trend of why teams are choosing to do so, and if it is actually an advantage.
"A staggering 82.5 percent of opening kickoffs were deferred, up from 65.6 a year ago," Mays said. "There were two weeks—including Week 17—during which not a single team that won the opening toss took the ball to start the game."
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Julio Jones was PFF's runner-up for Best Receiver
