11 things to know about the NFL’s biggest surprise, Devonta Freeman

He picked the pass at midfield easily but wasn’t finished, running back across it and evading tacklers for 28 more yards.

Washington Redskins cornerback Bashaud Breeland (26) runs after making an interception against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, October 11, 2015, in Atlanta. With Jones clearly not himself Sunday – he dropped at least two passes and caught only five, none in the first half – Freeman accounted for 197 yards rushing and passing. Meanwhile, veteran Roddy White was a complete non-factor with just one receptions for 16 yards, and he looked exactly like a frustrated franchise icon mired in serious gameday trade rumblings. He said undrafted rookie Terron Ward, who led the Falcons with 72 yards rushing and a touchdown against Houston, has earned a share of the rotation.

But the Redskins answered immediately, thanks to a 42-yard pass interference call on Alford.

In the extra frame, the Redskins possessed the ball and seemed in control after six plays and 30 yards.

However, the defense came up big.

The game has been a tough one for Matt Ryan’s offense.

Falcons defensive backs coach Marquand Manuel told him to move onto the next play. Their offensive line has stepped up in a major way and are now considered in the top 10 in both passing and running situations.

Another defensive stop, including a sack by Ryan Kerrigan, gave the ball back to the Redskins. Ryan and Jones will, for the most part, play at a high level, but if they do have an off game, the Falcons showed the rest of the league that they can overcome it and avoid a let-down performance. A major issue for the Redskins is, while they may be getting DeSean Jackson back for the first time this season, it is looking likely that tight end and arguably the key cog in their offense, Jordan Reed, is not going to play with a concussion.

On a mostly ugly day for Atlanta’s offense, Robert Alford and the defense had the final say. Queue Devonta Freeman fantasy owners quaking in their boots.

The next week, the Falcons play the Minnesota Vikings – the second-best team from the NFC North, if only by default – at home. Former Washington receivers Leonard Hankerson and slot speacilist Nick Williams, also received compliments from McVay because they are “good, productive football players”.

Matt Bryant got his side on the board with a field goal from 42 yards and the Falcons had another chance to reduce the deficit. “I could get in in the third quarter and make plays”. However, another fourth down conversion, their second of the day, kept the drive alive. Freeman ran for 11 yards and Atlanta again gave the ball to Freeman. This time, the veteran split the uprights, but the Redskins still held the lead, 7-6.

The Falcons (4-0) on Friday listed Coleman as probable for the game.

The Falcons went for a two-point conversion, but the pass was deflected. Atlanta is tied with Carolina for the NFC South lead. They need a proven playmaker to help take a few pressure off second-year receivers Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns.

But Cousins completed passes of 20 years to Derek Carrier and 19 yards to Pierre Garcon to get the ‘Skins to the Atlanta 41. Jones fell on the fumble for a touchdown. Atlanta failed on the two-point attempt. The Redskins led 13-12 with more than 7 minutes to go. That is until he ran a flawless two-minute drill, slicing through the Redskins defense like a knife through hot butter.

Redskins kicker Dustin Hopkins connected on a 28-yard field goal to cap a six-play, 11-yard drive following Matt Ryan’s second interception of the game.

This also was just Dalton’s second interception all season; both have come in the end zone.