Running Back by Committee Plans for Freeman and Coleman

Will the Atlanta Falcons continue to operate with a running back by committee plan…

Fantasy football owners, fans, and followers of the NFL may have been surprised at how coach Dan Quinn and the Atlanta Falcons utilized the running backs during week one’s performance. Pro Bowl halfback Devonta Freeman, Atlanta’s bell cow last year, has entered into what seems like a true timeshare with second year running back, Tevin Coleman.

What exactly is to make of this change? Coach Quinn and staff announced several weeks ago that Freeman wouldn’t receive as many targets and carries as last year. This is partially to conserve energy, providing for second half of the season performance, and ensure a long healthy career. Another factor is that the team has another very capable back in Tevin Coleman. Although the running game itself was lacking, the backfield receiving threat existed throughout the game.

Tevin Coleman led the team in receiving yards with 95 and rushing yards with a measly 22 on eight carries. The Falcons know that if they want to have a better running game, the offensive line has to be more effective. They failed to open holes for either Freeman or Coleman, leaving both backs with a disappointing day on the ground.

Fantasy owners may not want to hear this, but it’s very possible that Coleman could potentially become the most effective back for the Falcons this year. Remember, last season the Falcons gave Coleman the start over Freeman before he was injured. Although he had some issues with fumbling, he showed a lot of promise and has worked hard this offseason to improve his game and master the playbook.

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Both Freeman and Coleman are more than capable running backs. Coleman may be seen as the higher upside back, mostly due to his ability to catch the ball and run downfield. His receiving ability had been talked about and demonstrated all offseason, and he made the most out of his first opportunity to show it in a real game.

A 60/40 split between Coleman and Freeman respectively might just be what the Falcons have in mind for the future, but look for Coach Quinn to go with the “hot hand”. If Freeman has a great Week Two against Oakland, he could very well reclaim his position. Either way, both backs will get their chances and work to make Atlanta a respectable running football team.

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