FLOWERY BRANCH -- While much has been made of the competition for the starting running back spot, Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan prefers a committee approach.
"In this league it takes a group at that spot," Ryan said. "I think we have the right group to do it."
Devonta Freeman and rookie Tevin Coleman are battling for the top spot. The Falcons also have Antone Smith, Terron Ward and Jerome Smith on the roster.
The Falcons are installing a outside-zone blocking scheme under new offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan.
"Anytime you can run the football and you can run it effectively is slows down the pass rush," Ryan said. "That’s the goal for us, to be balanced on offense and to be able to get that run game going. I think Kyle has a great scheme in terms of the zone blocking scheme. We have to rep it. Get better at it. Get on the same page, all 11 of us on offense. Once we do that, I think that will help."
Ryan would not pick a favorite in the running backs competition.
"I think it’s important for all of them to step up," Ryan said. "I think it’s about 53 guys on our roster pulling their weight no matter what position it is. I think all of our guys in that backfield have done a great job trying to learn this offense as fast as they can.
"They are competing to get playing time. The more competition that we have at that position, the better off that we are going to be."
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TRAINING CAMP SCHEDULE: The Falcons will hold their training camp at the team's headquarters for the 11th consecutive year and will have select practices open to the public.
Here’s the training camp schedule:
Monday, August 3 – Practice 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (open to the public)
Tuesday, August 4 – Players’ Day Off (No Media Availability)
Wednesday, August 5 – Practice 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (open to the public)
Thursday, August 6 – Practice 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (open to the public)
Friday, August 7 – “Friday Night Lights” (Buford High School – open to the public)
Saturday, August 8 – Players’ Day Off (No Media Availability)
Sunday, August 9 – Practice 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (open to the public)
Monday, August 10 – Practice 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (open to the public)
Tuesday, August 11 – Practice 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (open to the public)
POSITION BY POSITION LOOK AT THE TEAM
Thursday – Fullbacks/Tight ends
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