The Atlanta Falcons’ Running Backs are Very Receptive
Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman are literally great at taking the ball and running with it, but they may be just as good at catching the ball
Both runningbacks Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman are literally great at taking the ball and running with it, but the 2017 AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp has been a reminder of the Swiss Army knife-like versatility of these two – whose could be the inspiration for an entirely new position; running receiver. Or wide-back.
Still haven’t decided which one sounds better. The point is, it’s almost like they form a three-man receiving corps with Julio ‘Golden Earring’ Jones.
"“The two guys — Coleman, Freeman — they’re so versatile for us,” Matt Ryan said via Vaughn McClure of ESPN. “I think those guys are two of the most talented guys in the league and are three-down backs. They catch the ball really well for us.”"
According to Pro Football Focus, Coleman was the most productive receiving running back on a per snap basis last season and the first days of camp have seen him lined up out in the flat, among other spots.
"“We have confidence in him to catch it,” head coach Dan Quinn said via D.Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitutional. “He’s really worked hard at establishing his receiving skills. It’s his long speed that can really create some match ups. He can fly. So when a linebacker or safety is there, you better be on your game.”"
Coleman had a qualitative leap in receiving in 2016, posting 421 yards on 31 receptions (including four catches for a career-best 132 yards and a his first receiving touchdown against the Denver Broncos on October 9), but his main goal for this season is to remain healthy. If he manages that, all these things shall be added unto him as the book says. As for Freeman, he had 73 catches for 578 yards in 2015, second only to Jones, who had 136 receptions.
The running back posted 462 yards on 54 catches last year, which is pretty good too. And that may be just the tip of the iceberg; Freeman says there is “always another level I can go to.” And he doesn’t Super Mario Bros. either.
All things considered, the receiving prowess (which will come in handy considering that Devin Fuller just had a preseason, season-ending injury. Yep; another one) of the Falcons’ running backs is by no means a secret weapon. What should have other teams worried, though, is the fact that new offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian is intent on using Freeman and Coleman in as many ways as possible this coming season.
"“We have two really electric tailbacks, and they are bad matchups on defenses,” Sarkisian said via Sports Fan 100.5. “Just making sure we’re putting those guys in the best position to be successful — whether it’s separately on the field, whether it’s being on the field together.”"
Next: Falcons 2017 Season Predictions
And let’s not forget Mohamed Sanu, who has been Ryan’s favorite target in training camp due to Jones and Taylor Gabriel practicing in a limited capacity with foot and lower leg injuries, respectively. The Falcons were an offensive behemoth last season and it looks as if they will be back with a vengeance in 2017.