Atlanta Falcons: Week Nine Grades Vs Washington
Tevin Coleman – Running Back
The Atlanta Falcons running game has had trouble getting on track lately. Against the Giants in week seven, the run was so ineffective that the Dirty Birds chose to throw short passes in lieu of the running game. Coming out of the bye, the Falcons were determined to get the run game back on track.
They did just that led by Tevin Coleman. Tevin ran the rock 13 times for 88 yards. That’s 6.8 yards per carry. He had a long of 16 yards. Tevin did suffer from the misfortune of having a 25 yard run wiped away by a Ben Garland holding penalty. That run would have given Coleman his second 100 yard game of the season.
Tevin Coleman showed his versatility by doing major damage as a receiver. Tevin was targeted seven times in the passing game, catching five balls for 68 yards and two touchdowns. He was lined up as a wide receiver and caught a wide receiver screen for one of the scores.
Coleman also did a great job as a blocker in the passing game as well. That’s a task he hasn’t performed well in the past. It was nice to see him be willing to sacrifice his body to protect the quarterback.
It was a great all around game for Coleman, that definitely bodes well for his impending free agency. Pro Football Focus graded him as the third best player on the Atlanta Falcons offense, in the week 9 triumph over the Redskins.
PFF Grade: 78.4
ATL ALL Day Grade: B+
Ito Smith – Running Back
Ito Smith, the rookie fourth round pick out of Southern Miss, continues to get better and better every week. This past week he ran for a career high 60 yards and a touchdown on only 10 carries. Ito also added one catch for four yards.
Ito Smith is proving to be a very good all round running back. He has one of the highest rates in the NFL of making would be tacklers miss. He’s also the best pass blocking tailback on the team, including the injured Devonta Freeman. He catches the ball well out of the backfield too.
Ito Smith played 28 snaps against the Washington Redskins and garnered the fourth highest grade on the team by Pro Football Focus.