FentayeJones Posted May 31, 2015 Share Posted May 31, 2015 (edited) An interesting position battle is brewing at the running back spot as two young rushers are intent on becoming the starter It didn’t take long for Tevin Coleman to display his confidence. Moments after being drafted by the Falcons, before he had a chance to learn much about his new surroundings, the University of Indiana graduate announced he’d begin his NFL career as Atlanta’s No. 1 running back. “Whoever is the starting back, they don't have to work,” he said. “I'm coming in and working right away.” Meanwhile, fellow RB Devonta Freeman was not only working — he was putting himself through a uniquely rigorous training program. The second year pro out of Florida State claimed he went “full-throttle” during his offseason regimen and didn’t take any days off. Suffice it to say, he doesn’t plan on giving up his spot on the first-team offense. “I take a lot of pride in (being the go-to guy),” Freeman said. "This has always been my dream. I never had a dream to come to the NFL and play second to (any) man." Without a doubt, there will be some spirited, hard-fought competition between these two. Head coach Dan Quinn noted Coleman and Freeman are “absolutely battling for it,” and at present, it’s difficult to forecast how the situation will unfold. For now, as Coleman eases his way into the organization, Freeman remains at the top of the depth chart. And while that could change at any time, it’d take quite an effort from Coleman to reshuffle the deck. “I love the competitive attitude Devonta brings,” Quinn said. “To me, when you’re having one of the best offseasons you’ve ever had, he’s one of the guys like, ‘I’m here, coach. I’m ready.’ He wants to be the first to do everything, and that tells you what the competitor is. “I can’t wait to watch him work. He doesn’t back down from anything. That’s one of things I love about Devonta the most. He just, every challenge, ‘Yep. I’m ready for the next one.’ That’s one of the things I really do admire about him and his game.” This kind of situation is not uncharted territory for Freeman. At 5-foot-9, he’s always had to deal with concerns about his size; at Florida State, he and current Bengal James Wilder Jr. each vied for the bulk of the carries. And last season, his first professional campaign, Freeman had to make his presence felt on a club that featured three other capable RBs in Steven Jackson, Antone Smith and Jacquizz Rodgers. Not an easy task, to say the least. “I’ve been in competition my whole life,” he said. “Especially with great athletes, even at the little league. I was going to elementary class and there were guys who were real good — faster than me, stronger and bigger. But I feel like it developed me and helped me at this level.” Freeman’s brief experience in the NFL might give him an early edge over Coleman. In 2014, he finished with 248 yards on the ground, 3.8 yards per carry and one rushing touchdown. Atlanta’s depth prevented him from getting more than eight rushes in a single contest, but he seemed to progress steadily as the schedule wore on: Freeman’s best performance came during Week 16 in New Orleans, where he scampered for a 31-yard TD. He also earned 48 receiving yards at the Superdome. Perhaps that was a sign of what’s to come. Regardless of how the carries are distributed, Freeman has the tools needed to be a valuable asset in the passing game. Catching the ball was a strength of his in college and, though he hauled in 30 receptions as a rookie, the new coaching staff thinks he can evolve into a key target for Matt Ryan . “He’s got terrific hands coming out of the backfield,” Quinn said. “What a weapon that can be. He runs good routes and has really good hands.” A big reason why the Falcons like Coleman is his knowledge of the zone-blocking scheme. As a senior at Indiana he darted for more than 2,000 yards — many of which came from his ability to read blocks and use his “one-cut-and-go” move to break free. Kyle Shanahan’s system will look a lot like the one Coleman studied at Indiana, at least from his perspective. But Freeman sees this new offense as the right fit for him, as well. And he should: The 23-year-old has great vision, can change directions quickly and doesn’t take long to reach top speed. Now that he’s had time to delve into the new playbook, he sees himself prospering as a sophomore. “The way this offensive scheme is set up is perfect,” Freeman said. “You definitely got to be in shape, be able to run fast and make good reads. The outside zone scheme is great for us. “I’m very happy and thankful that we got this offense. I want to try to maximize it myself — not just be one of the running backs.” Players fighting for a position will only make everyone better. Good to know there will be an actual competition rather than having Freeman anointed the starter just because he is the vet. http://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/article-1/Freeman-Vows-to-Play-Second-to-No-One/44c14993-de3b-49c8-bdc1-75eace384522 Edited May 31, 2015 by FentayeJones Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Knight of God Posted May 31, 2015 Share Posted May 31, 2015 Not interested in a vow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ovie_Lover Posted May 31, 2015 Share Posted May 31, 2015 Not interested in a vow.Just reach around and pull your panties out of your *** Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Knight of God Posted May 31, 2015 Share Posted May 31, 2015 Just reach around and pull your panties out of your ***That's what I was thinking about this article. Thank you for saying it for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flying Falcon Posted May 31, 2015 Share Posted May 31, 2015 LOL @ KOG Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vandy Posted May 31, 2015 Share Posted May 31, 2015 Love the Coleman pickup, also love how both he & Freeman publicly throw down they think they should be starters...it will be interesting battle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Atlfanstckndenver Posted May 31, 2015 Share Posted May 31, 2015 I hope both guys are serious as he'll. I like the attitude they are both bringing to the table. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jigglypuff Posted May 31, 2015 Share Posted May 31, 2015 Let me know when they do an article on the FB battle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dozer Posted May 31, 2015 Share Posted May 31, 2015 RRBC by mid-season. Not a knock on Freeman, with only a few exceptions it's just the way RBs are used in today's NFL.No big secret that probably the most important factor in determining PT is their ability to identify & pick up the blitz in pass protection. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lornoth Posted May 31, 2015 Share Posted May 31, 2015 Well...I'm glad both our RB's are ready to compete. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Draftnut57 Posted May 31, 2015 Share Posted May 31, 2015 I really do believe Freeman is going to be an awesome Back. I watched him in College and he was great and has not stopped working since he's gotten here. He fast, deliberate runner.. with good speed, and eyes for the openings. I think we hit a homerun when we drafted him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MoFalconsFan56 Posted May 31, 2015 Share Posted May 31, 2015 Is he going to demand a trade when Coleman takes "his spot" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeamPlayer1 Posted May 31, 2015 Share Posted May 31, 2015 I am in the "show me" stage right now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Draftnut57 Posted May 31, 2015 Share Posted May 31, 2015 I am in the "show me" stage right now.I saw enough At F.S.andlast year to let me know if he stayes healthy, He can and will do the job. I can't believe they didn't take advantage of him last year.. Smith didn't have a clue of how to lead this team, This year, it will be a whole new world of some awesome FB with the Falcons.. Quinn know's not only exactly what needs to be done, But He will do it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Herr Doktor Posted May 31, 2015 Share Posted May 31, 2015 Im glad we have two young backs that "want it". A good situation to be in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madman88 Posted May 31, 2015 Share Posted May 31, 2015 Freeman is gonna surprise a lot of ppl.. im gonna keep saying it.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
takeitdown Posted May 31, 2015 Share Posted May 31, 2015 I really hope to see them do great this year. Freeman has a lot of "want to" and I like that a lot, but it's still to be seen if he has the athleticism or strength (either will work) to make hay in this league. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Francis York Morgan Posted May 31, 2015 Share Posted May 31, 2015 Just give it to whoever the defense is having the most trouble stopping and I'll be happy. Skeptical of Freeman and Coleman as anyone but the coaches are liking them and both have great attitudes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ovie_Lover Posted May 31, 2015 Share Posted May 31, 2015 That's what I was thinking about this article. Thank you for saying it for me.Is the sad little man gonna hate on Freeman? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Knight of God Posted May 31, 2015 Share Posted May 31, 2015 Is the sad little man gonna hate on Freeman?LOL...well, I'm definitely not sad...most certainly not "little". I don't think I saw any hate...so that must make you a silly little munchkin with his feelings on his backside. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Knight of God Posted May 31, 2015 Share Posted May 31, 2015 I am in the "show me" stage right now.This. I have seen tons of Freeman articles, I need to see it on the field this year. Hope he does well, but all this talking for one guy gets old fast. I hardly see a whole lot about our first rounder this year or last year...I see a whole lot of lip about Freeman and what he's going to do though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lornoth Posted May 31, 2015 Share Posted May 31, 2015 This. I have seen tons of Freeman articles, I need to see it on the field this year. Hope he does well, but all this talking for one guy gets old fast. I hardly see a whole lot about our first rounder this year or last year...I see a whole lot of lip about Freeman and what he's going to do though.That's what I was just thinking. We have a new Free article every other day, where's the stuff about Beas or, well, anyone else? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Knight of God Posted May 31, 2015 Share Posted May 31, 2015 That's what I was just thinking. We have a new Free article every other day, where's the stuff about Beas or, well, anyone else?Exactly, but I would expect common sense from you though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vandy Posted May 31, 2015 Share Posted May 31, 2015 (edited) This. I have seen tons of Freeman articles, I need to see it on the field this year. Hope he does well, but all this talking for one guy gets old fast. I hardly see a whole lot about our first rounder this year or last year...I see a whole lot of lip about Freeman and what he's going to do though.Maybe it's a whole lotta 'little man' love?😝 Edited May 31, 2015 by Vandy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Knight of God Posted May 31, 2015 Share Posted May 31, 2015 Maybe it's a whole lotta 'little man' love?He's not that little. Closer to 210 than he is to 200. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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