Falcons need to use Antone Smith like Eagles use Darren Sproles

The former New Orleans Saint was a terror in space last night against the Colts. He had 11 touches for 178 yards. He had four rushes for 26 yards and caught seven passes for 152 yards.

Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter

Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter

He powered the Eagles to a 30-27 comeback victory over the Indianapolis Colts.

Now, Sproles did get some lovely blocking on those screens.

If the Falcons can make those blocks, Antone Smith has shown that can rip off those big plays.

Freeman showed his power in the opener against Saints when he barreled through defenders to pick up an extra five yards after contact.

Coach Mike Smith seem to regret that neither player received in opportunities in 24-10 the mauling by the Bengals.

“We did not get (through) rotation because we had some three-and-outs,” Smith said. “Rotating our backs didn’t go like it did in the first week. That’s something that again, when you’ve got four running backs it’s a challenge every game to get the numbers that you’d like for them to have.”

Smith put it on the coaching staff.

“We’ll continue to work on it,” Smith said. “It’s a work in progress for us as a coaching staff. We want to get all of those guys some touches because they all deserve it.”

Smith and Freeman both have good attitudes about the crowded backfield.

“You have to be humble and wait your turn,” Freeman said. “Whenever your opportunity comes, you have to take full advantage of it. It’s four of us and we all work hard and compete in practice. The veterans have been here so they’ll always have the upper hand. For me, it’s just staying patient and when my number is called I have to take advantage of the opportunity.”

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