With a new offensive coordinator comes a new playbook and schemes, something the Atlanta Falcons are preparing for as Kyle Shanahan steps into his new role. With that come changes in the balance of offense as the run game is expected to be highlighted in the coming year more than ever before. The Falcons had their best success when Michael Turner was bruising defenses with rushes up the middle every other play, but since his departure Atlanta has gotten away from that. However, in 2015 that is expected to change.
One of the storylines entering training camp for the Falcons will not be the contract to Julio Jones, but the position battle at running back. Atlanta said goodbye to both Steven Jackson and Jacquizz Rodgers in the offseason and instead drafted Tevin Coleman to run with Devonta Freeman and Antone Smith who was re-signed. Head coach Dan Quinn told the media that he expects a battle between Coleman and Freeman and both running backs are up for the challenge.
"This means a lot to me," Freeman said, per The Associated Press. "This has always been my dream. I never had a dream to come to the NFL and play second to no man." ''I didn't really take a break. I went hard. ... I just went full-throttle. I didn't take days off. Football is all I know and all I love. ... I was always working.''
Entering training camp, Freeman will be at the top spot on the depth chart, but Coleman should not be ruled out. According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, the Falcons think they have a "boom pick" in Coleman who could turn out to be the better of the two backs. The same thing is being said about receiver Justin Hardy who is expected to come in and immediately fill the shoes of Harry Douglas. However, he will have some competition for the spot.
According to the AJC, several wide receivers had impressive offseasons and look poised for more playing time. Leonard Hankerson came in as a veteran and is playing like a starter. The Falcons also have Eric Weems and Devin Hester who came up in big ways last season. The Falcons certainly have the offensive weapons to make some improvements this season and Shanahan plans on making sure that happens.
