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Tevin Coleman Returns, Sees Limited Playing Time

By Jonathan Savitske

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Tevin Coleman was injured in the Atlanta Falcons Week 2 contest at Metlife Stadium against the New York Football Giants, where a tackle by Giants’ CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie fractured one of Coleman’s rib, preventing him from playing for the past two weeks.

Tevin Coleman began the season atop of the Atlanta Falcons’ depth chart at the running back position, ahead of Devonta Freeman and Terron Ward. Coleman made an impact as the starter, totaling 80 yards on 20 carries in the starting role. Before his injury against the Giants in the second quarter of the game, Tevin Coleman had 32 yards on 9 carries.

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Though Coleman performed well during the first game and a half of the season, 2nd year running back Devonta Freeman supplanted Coleman as the starter during his absence. Devonta Freeman then proceeded to put up historic numbers as tthe Falcons’ starter, scoring 8 touchdowns in his first three games, as well as rushing for 141 yards against Dallas and ran for 153 yards on 27 carries against Washington. With these impressive numbers, there is no question that Devonta Freeman is now atop of the Atlanta Falcons RB depth chart.

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Tevin Coleman returned to the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday against the Washington Redskins, but saw limited playing time, carrying the ball only twice for 3 yards. Of course with the way that Devonta Freeman is playing, Dan Quinn has to go with the hot hand at running back. Coleman could have also seen limited playing time because he is in fact still not at 100 percent.

Kyle Shanahan’s zone blocking scheme has done wonders for the Atlanta Falcons running game, creating a balanced offensive attack. Head Coach Dan Quinn now has an embarrassment of riches at the running back position with both Freeman and Coleman, each with their own unique strengths.

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I still believe that the Atlanta Falcons will utilize both Tevin Coleman and Devonta Freeman in tandem as Coleman recovers from his injury. Though Freeman’s performance makes him the de facto starter, he will inevitably cool down, which will pave the way for Tevin Coleman to contribute in a larger capacity. While Freeman is an explosive running back who is also a great receiver, Tevin Coleman provides a change of pace and utilizes his excellent vision to find space.

The Atlanta Falcons face off against their bitter division rivals the New Orleans Saints on Thursday night at the Mercedes Benz Superdome. Rise Up!

Next: Atlanta Falcons: Where Does Defense Stand After Week 5?

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