Kyle Shanahan is now the man in charge of the Atlanta Falcons offense which comes already-assembled with key offensive pieces like Matt Ryan, Julio Jones and Roddy White. The passing game should be easy to build around with three stars and number of role players like Harry Doulgas, Devin Hester and a tight end signed in free agency. However, the ground game leaves a lot to be desired as Shanahan hints there could be roster changes in the backfield.
Since the departure of Michael Turner, the Falcons have not had a successful run game in the two seasons following his release. Yes, part of that is due to offensive line issues, but the biggest need is a workhorse that can constantly plow through defenses like Turner did in his prime. The Falcons thought they were acquiring that when they signed Steven Jackson in free agency, but that experiment failed and now the team is likely to release him in the coming weeks.
"I've been here a week ... the main things we're doing right now is looking at our own personnel," Shanahan said, via ESPN.com. "I don't have a set opinion right now because I haven't watched enough tape, but Steven's a guy I've been a huge fan of over his career. Devonta (Freeman) was someone I loved coming out of college last year. And then the guy from Oregon State (Jacquizz Rodgers), I loved him coming out of college. So they're guys I remember from their college days, hard. I know Steven because he's played for a long time. But I haven't evaluated any of those backs since college or just Steven over the years. So, they're guys I'm excited and really looking forward to seeing them and getting them here in (organized team activities) and seeing what we can do."
Freeman is the only guarantee to return next season. Rodgers will be a free agent and simply has not done enough to warrant a new contract. 2014's breakout star Antone Smith is also a free agent, but could come back on a smaller contract. Jackson is under contract for 2015, but the Falcons could save $3 million in cap space by releasing him. The 11-year veteran has not averaged over 4.0 yards per carry with the Falcons and the team needs a younger, more athletic body to help take over.
If Shanahan had his wish, the team would acquire someone like DeMarco Murray or LeSean McCoy which could potentially happen, but getting a player like CJ Spiller, Mark Ingram or Knowshon Moreno might be the easier acquire.
"People asking me that all the time ... I like a good running back," Shanahan said. "There's no absolute. I've had big guys. I've had smaller guys. I'll take any type of guy. I think Adrian Peterson, Marshawn Lynch are pretty good backs that are pretty big. That doesn't mean I don't want LeSean McCoy. So, I think any type of back can succeed in this system."