Offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan wants to make the run game a priority for the Atlanta Falcons this season. Since the departure of Michael Turner, the ground game for the team has been extremely disappointing causing an unbalanced offensive attack. However, this year is supposed to be different with a young attack of Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman, but those plans were halted thanks to hamstring injuries. Now both rushers are back and competing for the starting spot.
The first preseason game of the season saw the Falcons get the win, but continue to look unimpressive in the ground game. Antone Smith had a touchdown, but went down with a hamstring injury. Terron Ward was forgettable despite the hype building around him during training camp. According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, both Freeman and Coleman made their returns to practice, giving hope to the fans for a better run game.
The return of Freeman and Coleman was a welcomed sight in training camp on Monday. Both running backs were limited, but stressed they feel healthy and ready to compete again. Freeman entered training camp as the No.1 running back while Coleman is looking to make his case for the job. Once they both return to full health, the competition will ramp up.
"I feel good," Freeman said, via ESPN.com. "It's a great progression. Still taking it one day at a time. It's just exciting to be back out there and having fun with the boys. I feel like I'm back a part of something even though nobody never left me out. Just being out there grinding with them, feeling the pain (of competition), felt good."
Freeman and Coleman will be critical to the Falcons' overall offense this season. The first team did a solid job of moving the ball against the Tennessee Titans as they capped off a first drive with a Julio Jones touchdown. Roddy White is the No.2 man while competition is building for the third slot left open by the departure of Harry Douglas.
The Falcons drafted Justin Hardy while signing Leonard Hankerson. In the first preseason game, Hankerson walked onto the field before Hardy which could be telling as to which way Shanahan is leaning. However, Nick Williams and Eric Weems are certainly doing their best to make cases to see significant playing time. Regardless, the offense will be the Jones show this season as the wide receiver fights for a new contract. According to White, the sky is the limit for the Falcons' star.
"He doesn't have really any weaknesses in his game," White said, via ESPN.com. "And every year, he's gotten better. It's amazing for me to see how football-savvy he has gotten over every year. He's just gotten better and better mentally, in just understanding what people are trying to do to him and what he has to do to go out there and win on routes. I mean, the sky's the limit for him."