Atlanta Falcons vs Baltimore Ravens: The good, the bad, the ugly

Sep 3, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Tevin Coleman (26) runs the ball against the Baltimore Ravens in the first quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

The good

Tevin Coleman

Just five days after being handed a wake up call by the Dolphins on debut, Tevin Coleman bounced back with an excellent showing against the Ravens. In Miami, the rookie managed a net of just two yards on his four carries, largely due to the awful blocking up front.

Against the Ravens, Coleman carried the football eight times for 56 yards, averaging seven yards per run. The most exciting fact was that he flashed his big-play potential with a 26-yard gain running to the outside.

He will need to prove he can do it against first-team defenses in the regular season, but this was an encouraging performance from the rookie. It’s unclear who will be the starting running back Week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles, although Coleman must have a strong chance of starting ahead of second-year Devonta Freeman, who missed all of preseason with a hamstring injury.

Freeman’s absence means he will need to get reps under his belt, which could mean Coleman, who is slightly more prepared, starts in the season opener. One thing is for sure is that he has talent, and we caught a glimpse of it in this game.

Next: The bad