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Atlanta Falcons: Tevin Coleman or Devonta Freeman?

By Matthew Schoettler

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With Atlanta Falcons’ running back Tevin Coleman out due to a rib injury, could Devonta Freeman steal the starting running back gig?

During week two of the 2015 NFL season, Tevin Coleman suffered a cracked rib injury, vaulting Devonta Freeman to the starting running back job. Dan Quinn has yet to give a timetable on when we can expect Coleman back on the field, but Devonta Freeman seems poised to take the starting job for the remainder of the season.

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Coleman produced solid numbers in his first career game, rushing for 80 yards on 20 carries. During his second game against the New York Giants, Coleman was on his way to a fine game, rushing for a touchdown early, but a rib injury sidelined him for the remainder of the game. Coleman has not returned to the field since, and he may have lost his starting job to Devonta Freeman.

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In Week 3, Devonta Freeman produced a career-high 141 rushing yards on 30 carries; moreover, Freeman found himself in the endzone three times. While his Week 3 numbers won’t likely be repeated, Freeman hit the ground running in his first start in 2015. Last year, Freeman was unable to showcase his talents due to the fact that he was a backup to Steven Jackson.

Jackson underwhelmed during his tenure with the Atlanta Falcons, never eclipsing 4.0 yards per carry. When the Falcons chose to not re-sign the veteran running back, Devonta Freeman figured he would play a key role for the Falcons in 2015. However, in the 2015 NFL Draft, the Falcons decided to spend a 3rd round pick on the highly touted running back out of the University of Indiana, Tevin Coleman.

Instantly, the Freeman and Coleman knew they must battle it out for the starting running back role for the Atlanta Falcons, with Coleman ultimately winning the job out of training camp. With Devonta Freeman never garnering a start in 2014 or 2015, his showing in week three probably opened the eyes of head coach Dan Quinn. The Falcons expect Coleman to miss another week or two with his rib injury, so that opened the door for Freeman.

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The Atlanta Falcons host the Washington Redskins in week four, and if Freeman produces impressive numbers again, he could very well earn himself the starting running back job. This season, Washington’s defense allowed the third-fewest rushing yards in the NFL; thus, if Freeman can impress against a stingy defense, he could highlight his value to the Falcons.

If anything, upon Coleman’s return to the field, Quinn will allow the two running backs to share the load; but it is a wait-and-see scenario in Atlanta. For fantasy purposes, it would be wise to own both, as either player could wind up being the handcuff to the other. Expect Devonta Freeman to shoulder the load once again in week four, and do not be surprised if he impresses again.

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