NASHVILLE -- Eddie George was a four-time Pro Bowl running back and the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year during his playing days with the Tennessee Titans/Houston Oilers, so he can appreciate great play at the position.

Even before Atlanta Falcons second-year running back Devonta Freeman picked up his third consecutive 100-yard game against George's beloved Titans on Sunday, George had to give Freeman his due respect.

"I think he's having a fantastic year," George told ESPN.com. "You look at his running style and it's reminiscent of -- during my era -- with Jerome Bettis, Curtis Martin, Edgerrin James, Corey Dillon, Fred Taylor. He definitely attacks defenders.

"If he continues on this trajectory, he could be one of the great ones. I really like his running game."

Two of the players George compared Freeman to -- Bettis and Martin -- are Hall of Famers. Four of the five were selected to four or more Pro Bowls, with Taylor making just one.

Freeman currently leads the NFL with 10 total touchdowns (nine rushing) and 931 all-purpose yards. He could become the first Falcon to rush for 100 yards in four consecutive games since Jamal Anderson in 1998, if Freeman reaches 100 Sunday against the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay has allowed just one 100-yard rusher through six games, Houston's Alfred Blue (139).

Freeman also leads the league in rushing with 621 yards on 131 carries through seven games. He's looking to become the team's first 1,000-yard rusher since Michael Turner in 2011 (1,340).

By the way, Anderson and Gerald Riggs hold the franchise record with five consecutive games of 100 rushing yards.