Falcons running back Tevin Coleman had a bumpy rookie season, but plans to help improve the rushing attack in 2016.
Devonta Freeman had a breakthrough season after taking over for Coleman, who opened the season as the starter.
“We certainly expect the running back (room) to develop even more,” Falcons coach Dan Quinn said Tuesday. “Certainly, Coleman was humbled. He had some fumbles and still averaged over four yards a carry. The injuries were a factor.”
The Falcons averaged 100.4 yards rushing per game last season, which ranked 19th in the NFL. The Falcons averaged just 3.82 yards per rush, which ranked 25th in the league. The Bills led the league with 152 yards rushing per game and at 4.78 yards per carry.
“I feel like what we did last year was like scratching the surface,” Freeman said.
Coleman was drafted in the third round (73rd overall) of the 2015 draft out of Indiana.
Coleman got off to a promising start before suffering fractured ribs in the second game of the season. While out, Freeman took over the position and turned in a Pro Bowl campaign with 1,634 yards from scrimmage and 14 touchdowns.
Despite Freeman’s success, the Falcons still have high hopes for Coleman, who was electrifying in the open field.
Coleman played in 12 games and made three starts. He rushed for 392 yards on 87 carries (4.5 yards per carry) and scored one touchdown. He had only two catches for 14 yards and was credited with three fumbles.
Coleman’s rookie season was cut short after he slipped in the shower and suffered a concussion, causing him to miss the final two games of the regular season.
“I love it when a guy is challenged and comes back on a mission, and that’s certainly been the case with him,” Quinn said. “He’s fit. He’s strong. He’s been catching the ball out of the backfield. He’s a man here with something to prove and he’s certainly off to that start.”
Coleman believes there’s room for him and Freeman in the rushing attack.
“Oh yeah, definitely I think people under estimate it,” Coleman said. “Free (received) most of the playing time last year because I was hurt. They don’t even know what’s coming. It will be me and Free out there killing it.”
Coleman knows that he’ll face some challenges.
“Definitely, it’s a big (issue) for me to stay healthy and take care of my body,” Coleman said. “That’s what I learned to do and what I didn’t do last year. I have to take care of my body so that I can play.”
Coleman has been studying how the veterans how prepare for practice.
“I wasn’t doing what vets were doing,” Coleman said. “I was just coming out here and practicing. But they were stretching and doing extra things before practice.
“They were doing extra stretching in (the locker room) and stretching out (at practice.) They were keeping their legs stretched out and fresh so that they wouldn’t pull anything.”
In addition to the ribs and concussion injuries, Coleman suffered a hamstring injury in training camp.
Freeman also believes that he can improve.
“I feel like I left a lot out there on the field last year,” Freeman said. “I feel like I have so many ways to become who I want to be. I just never get complacent.”
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