Freeman rushed for 31 yards on five carries and added 16 yards on three catches during Sunday's 34-16 loss at the Jets.
Freeman is averaging a more-than-solid 5.1 yards per carry in a talented, young backfield. The question is whether Denver's coaches realize that. Despite the team's pledges to pound the ball more, Freeman was curiously underutilized while Denver tried to protect a lead against the Chiefs on Monday and again while the game was still in hand Sunday. A logical fear would be that the underappreciation of Freeman might continue on Sunday against a Rams team that can force opponents to play from behind. Even with that possibility, however, Freeman has value as a goal-line back.