South Gwinnett News

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

On Dec 19, the Falcons were behind the San Francisco 49ers by a score of 10-3 in the second quarter when quarterback Matt Ryan fired a pass downfield to Gage for a first down at the San Francisco 20-yard line.

Despite not being completely open, Gage caught the deep pass and scored a touchdown; the play was highlighted 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 string of outstanding performances by Gage, who caught at least six receptions and over 60 yards in each of his last 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 included his career-best receiving performance against the Buccaneers when he caught in 11 passes for 130 yards.

Although Gage was expected to have a breakout season following the Falcons' offseason trade of Julio Jones, the season has not been without its problems.

He suffered an ankle injury following an incomplete pass attempt in his first game, forcing him to miss the next three games.

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

As the season winds down, however, Gage has positioned himself as a go-to target for Ryan, establishing him as one of the Falcons' most consistent offensive players.