The Atlanta Falcons broke a five-game losing streak in an unexpected way, relying on their run game. The rushing attack for the Falcons has come under fire as it struggled through the losing streak. Granted the entire offense struggled in the losing streak, but the rushing attack was near non-existent until the team faced the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. During the Week 10 win, Steven Jackson had his best game of the year, but will it be enough to earn a new contract?
Jackson has been quiet over the past two years since signing with the Falcons. His 2013 season was marred by injuries while 2014 featured the running back not getting any help for the depleted offensive line. The 31-year-old finally got his breakout game against the Buccaneers, putting up 81 rushing yards. He averaged 5.1 yards per carry which is the best he has done since signing with the Falcons in free agency a season ago. Jackson took pride in his performance.
"It's really important to set a physical tone," Jackson said, via ESPN.com. "The game of football is a physical game. Whenever you're going into a game, you've got to set the tempo. You've got to set your presence before anybody else. I take pride in that. And I think a lot of times, people are getting away from it because the game has turned into a passing game. The appreciation is being lost. But it's still very important. You see that with the defending Super Bowl champions (Seattle)."
The offensive line was able to hold their own against Tampa Bay which allowed the run game to balance out the offense for the first time in weeks. With the NFC South still completely up for grabs, games like this are needed. The question remains whether or not the Falcons can keep up the rushing attack for the remainder of the year.
"I thought we ran the ball very effectively today," Ryan said. "I thought our offensive line did a nice job. And I thought Steven Jackson played extremely physical. He went out there running between the tackles and did a great job for us. Hats off to him. I thought he played really well. Hats off to our offensive line."
Jackson is currently working off an expiring deal as is Jacquizz Rodgers. Devonta Freeman is the only back with a guaranteed return. Will either player be back? The Falcons have a tough call to make regarding the veteran considering players like DeMarco Murray, Mark Ingram and Knowshon Moreno will be available in free agency. The Falcons need to make as many upgrades as possible and the run game could be one of the them regardless of what Jackson's season looks like going forward.
