North Gwinnett News

Russell Gage, the Atlanta Falcons wide receiver, is quickly establishing himself as one of the team's most dynamic and diverse players, according to a report on the Falcon's official website.

On Dec 19, the Falcons were behind the San Francisco 49ers 10-3 in the second quarter when quarterback Matt Ryan threw the ball downfield to Gage for a first down at the San Francisco twenty-yard line.

Although Gage was not totally open, he managed to catch the long pass and score a touchdown; the play was featured on SportsCenter and ESPN's "You got Mossed" segment.

“That brings energy to the team, and that was a heck of a catch," safety Duron Harmon said on the team's website, "It's good to see Russ steadily improving, getting more and more comfortable, and each week he comes up with a big catch every week."

This was the latest in a streak of stellar performances by Gage, who has at least six catches and more than 60 yards in each of his previous four games.

"It was definitely in the top five," Gage stated of the play's ranking among his career's greatest, "It felt good."

This includes his finest receiving performance of his career against the Buccaneers, recording 11 receptions for 130 yards.

Despite the fact that Gage was anticipated to have a breakthrough season after the Falcons traded Julio Jones in the offseason, the season has not been without its challenges.

Following an unsuccessful pass performance in his first game, he sustained an ankle sprain that forced him to miss three games.

When Gage returned to the field after his injury, he went without a reception in two of the next four games.

However, as the season nears its conclusion, Gage has emerged as a go-to target for Ryan, establishing himself into one of the Falcons' most reliable offensive performers.