The Atlanta Falcons are officially 2-0 to start the season after beating the New York Giants on Sunday. The offense moved well thanks to a better performance while the defense got the stops and turnovers needed to win. It was an improved Falcons team even from Week 1, but once again injuries became an issue. Part of the Falcons success has been a good run game and with Tevin Coleman out, that is now up in the air.
Tevin Coleman scored his first NFL touchdown in the win over the New York Giants, but finished the game by being carted off the field following a rib injury. Coleman put up 32 yards and a score before leaving in the first half. He did not return for the remainder of the game and his status for Week 3 is officially up in the air. Coleman's original diagnosis was a rib injury. If anything is broken, the running back will likely miss a game or two which leaves Devonta Freeman as the starter.
Freeman had a productive day with 25 yards on the ground and another 34 through the air. He is just as versatile as Coleman, but lacks the speed of the rookie. Freeman will be the go-to guy in a run-heavy offense while Ryan takes to the air with new and improved wide receivers. While Jones continues to thrive through two games, other names are becoming favorite targets for the quarterback. Leonard Hankerson recorded his first touchdown with the team while Jacob Tamme and Nick Williams continue to work alongside Roddy White. Ryan gives his supporting cast all of the credit.
"Things are different now," Ryan said, via the post-game press conference. "We have a new coordinator this year. We've done a pretty good job adjusting to the new scheme and will certainly continue to do better. Play action is an important part of what were going to do, along with running the football. We've done a decent job in both elements. I think we'll have to run the ball better than we did today. That will be done as the offensive line continues to grow as a unit."
Coleman's injury could certainly be big for the Falcons. Through two games he has looked like the better running back. However, Freeman is a quality option as well as the Falcons prepare to face the Dallas Cowboys on the road in Week 3.