Atlanta Falcons: Will Tevin Coleman make the second-year jump?
Can Tevin Coleman make a jump in year two?
When Tevin Coleman was selected in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft, it was assumed he would become the starting running back for the Atlanta Falcons.
During the season-opening win over the Philadelphia Eagles, he was. Both Coleman and second-year Devonta Freeman had dealt with injuries during training camp, and the rookie returned before Freeman, earning the job by default.
Coleman’s debut performance of 80 yards from 20 carries was encouraging, and he found the end zone for the first time early in the Week 2 victory over the New York Giants. But shortly after running in his first touchdown, a ribs injury forced the rookie off the field.
In came Freeman, and the rest was history.
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Freeman ran in a touchdown late in the game and was the starter in Week 3 while Coleman sat out. A 141-yard, three-touchdown performance stunned the Dallas Cowboys and there was no doubting who the No. 1 back was moving forward. Freeman’s dominance continued with three more touchdowns a week later against Houston.
It wasn’t just on the ground he was burning defenses, but also as a receiver. Freeman finished the season with 1,061 rushing yards with 11 touchdowns along with 578 receiving yards and three scores.
Coleman was demoted to the change-of-pace back role, but he was guilty of not making the most of opportunities when they were presented to him.
Fumbles were the biggest issue and halted any momentum he was building. In the Falcons’ first loss of the season in New Orleans, Coleman broke out a 17-yard run but lost the football. Had he maintained possession, the impressive run would have earned him more carries. A similar issue cost him in the loss to Minnesota. Coleman burst out of sight with a 46-yard sprint, but Anthony Barr was able to knock the ball loose.
As a rookie, Coleman finished with 392 rushing yards and one touchdown. After he ran in his lone touchdown in Week 2, not many would have predicted it to be his last.
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Freeman will lead the way in the backfield in 2016, but Coleman can play a key role in the rotation if he can take better care of the football. Freeman can’t take every snap and will need to be fresh to avoid burning out. Coleman’s speed can make him and excellent change-of-pace back and give the Falcons a dangerous 1-2 punch in the backfield.
Coleman has the potential, he just needs to make the jump in year two.