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Terron Ward Shows Falcons’ Depth at RB Position

By Jonathan Savitske

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Terron Ward was not drafted in the 2016 NFL Draft, and signed with the Atlanta Falcons this past offseason as a free agent.

Perhaps a longshot to make the roster during Falcons Training Camp, Terron Ward impressed the Atlanta coaching staff with his physicality and versatility, earning a spot on the Falcons opening day roster. Though he was slated behind Tevin Coleman and Devonta Freeman on the Falcons depth chart, Terron Ward is now showing not only what he is capable of, but the depth of the Atlanta Falcons at the RB position.

-= Related: Atlanta Falcons: Tevin Coleman or Devonta Freeman? =-

Following an injury to Tevin Coleman in Week 2 against the New York Football Giants, Devonta Freeman had that chance to show the Falcons his abilities, and has scored 6 touchdowns in the past two weeks as the team’s starting RB. Terron Ward has spelled Freeman in the past two games — but really showed how far the running game has come for the Atlanta Falcons in comparison to the past 4+ seasons. Before his injury Tevin Coleman was the Falcons starter at RB, and had 80 yards in the opening win against the Eagles, and 32 yards and 1 TD in the Giants game before he was injured.

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In Kyle Shanahan’s zone blocking scheme, the running game is emphasized, creating a more balanced and in theory, effective offense. That has certainly been the case over the past couple of weeks. While Devonta Freeman had another excellent game on Sunday, scoring 3 more touchdowns and having 149 all purpose yards, Terron Ward had an opportunity to take the majority of the carries in the second half of the Atlanta Falcons blowout victory over the Houston Texans on Sunday.

Terron Ward rushed for 72 yards on 19 carries on Sunday, and scored his first career touchdown in the process. The physical young back provided a change of pace from the speedy Devonta Freeman, and demonstrated his ability to carry a heavy load of the team’s run game.

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Falcons fans, when was the last time that you’ve seen our football team have the depth at the running back position that we have right now? Perhaps a decade ago when Warrick Dunn and T.J. Duckett played with Michael Vick? Even then, those two backs did not have the youth or athleticism that Devonta Freeman, Tevin Coleman and Terron Ward currently possess. The fact that the Atlanta Falcons have three capable backs on the depth chart is an incredible blessing, and opens up even more possibilities on offense for Matt Ryan, Kyle Shanahan and company.

Tevin Coleman’s return date is unknown, and until he fully recovers from his fractured rib, expect to see more of Terron Ward backing up Devonta Freeman. On many teams, the loss of a starting RB would be a huge blow to a club’s aspirations — but this season with the Atlanta Falcons, that is not the case. Savor this Falcons fans — you’ve waited a long time for a running game.

Next: Atlanta Falcons Lasso Texans, 48-21

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