NFL Atlanta Falcons

Atlanta Falcons Should Strongly Consider Trading Steven Jackson

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By @adamdclifton

Getty Images

Getty Images

Following the 2012 season, the Atlanta Falcons realized they had a very short window in which they could compete for a Super Bowl. This forced the Falcons to look to free agency to fill obvious holes within the team. One of these holes was at running back.

The Falcons made a big splash by signing perennial 1,000-yard rusher Steven Jackson, and were confident that he would be able to carry this form over to Atlanta. However, many were skeptical of the signing, pointing to the age of Jackson and the pattern in the league of running back production dropping rapidly after the age of 30. Jackson was 30 at the start of the 2013 season.

Unfortunately, the skepticism about Jackson became reality. He was only able to take part in 12 games in the 2013 season, and many speculated that he was below 100 percent for a majority of these games. Jackson’s production suffered tremendously as he rushed for a career-low 543 yards.

Fans of the Falcons were optimistic that last season was an exception, and the real Steven Jackson would show up this season. To the dismay of Falcon’s fans, Jackson has only rushed for 285 yards and a pair of touchdowns in just seven games. Jackson has had to share his snaps with a platoon of running backs, including Jacquizz Rodgers, Antone Smith and rookie Devonta Freeman.

Out of the bunch, many have seen a great deal of promise in Smith. He has not received many carries or catches, but when the ball is in his hands, he has made several incredible plays. Smith has 16 carries and 12 receptions. In just 28 touches, he has five touchdowns. Each touchdown has been over 35 yards.

If given consistent reps, Smith could emerge as an important piece of the Falcons. If he cannot keep up this torrid pace, the Falcons still have two solid running backs who can share the carries.

The Falcons are off to a rough start this season. They have had numerous holes exposed in this team, and they are in desperate need of talented players all over the field. If they hope to fill these gaps, they must be willing to part ways with a player like Jackson. He has shown the ability to be an every-down running back in this league. He was able to consistently rush for 1,000 yards prior to arriving in Atlanta.

However, he has not been able to replicate this form. You know there are teams in this league that feel they could help Jackson return to form, and the Falcons need to begin negotiations with them.

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