Because Devonta Freeman suffered a concussion Sunday, the Falcons may utilize their rookie running backs more this weekend against the Vikings.
Coach Dan Quinn said he has full confidence in rookie running backs Tevin Coleman and Terron Ward and their abilities to run the ball if Freeman is inactive.
Coleman, a rookie out of Indiana, was named starter to start the season, but fell to second in the depth chart upon a rib injury against the Giants on Sept. 20.
Coleman said if he is needed to start against the Vikings on Sunday, the most important part of Sunday’s game is paying attention to details and execution.
“From (Freeman) being hurt and me being the main guy, you just have to step up and do your job and do the same things he was doing,” Coleman said. “You’re always going to have that mental focus and confidence to play the game. (I have to) go out there and preform the best that I can.”
Coleman said since he and Ward have been playing together behind Freeman for most of the season, they’re ready for a bigger shot on the field.
With 59 carries for 231 yards and one touchdown this season, Coleman received more snaps when he took over for Freeman at running back Sunday after Freeman left the game in the first quarter.
Quinn said the reps Coleman received Sunday will be of great help as the season progresses.
“He got some reps (Sunday), and there’s some things that he probably had his first experience and (learning) the discipline it takes to run it,” Quinn said. “Having that experience (Sunday) and going through it, I think was important. I think it’ll pay dividends for us moving down the line so I have all the confidence in the world in him to play if Devonta isn’t ready.”
After rushing 48 yards on 17 carries against the Colts, Coleman said he gained valuable experience.
“(I’m) learning how the defense plays and watching more film and just doing more on my part and I’m getting prepared to play,” Coleman said.
If Coleman starts Sunday, Ward will be listed at second in the depth chart and will receive more snaps than in recent weeks. Quinn said Ward stepped up before to second on the depth chart when Coleman was out with a rib injury and he continues to have confidence in Ward’s ability.
Ward said although he’s excited for the opportunity to potentially receive more snaps this weekend against the Vikings, it’s comes at the unfortunate cost of Freeman’s injury.
“That’s just how football is,” Ward said. “It’s the next man up, and we have to fill that role.”
With 21 carries for 74 yards and one touchdown this season, Ward said that he and Coleman are excited and prepared to do what it takes to win this weekend and continue the work that Freeman’s been doing.
Ward said the main lesson he and Coleman learned from receiving more snaps in Sunday’s loss to the Colts was following through on everything they do on the field.
“I feel like as young guys like me and Tevin, we can bring all we can do to help our offense finish,” Ward said. “When you’re on the field, plays last longer than you’d think and runs last longer than you think so finish every block, finish every catch, finish every run hard going forward.”
Fullback Patrick DiMarco said Freeman potentially being inactive against the Vikings on Sunday is disappointing, the team has the same, professional mentality of “next man up.”
“T. Cole and T. Ward, they’re going to step up,” DiMarco said. “I’ve spoken to them both (this week) and if Devonta doesn’t play, they’re excited for the opportunity.”
About the Author
