Devonta Freeman is not interested in splitting carries. The second-year running back is looking to be the lead back this season after the Atlanta Falcons said goodbye to Steven Jackson and Jacquizz Rodgers. He is ready for his time and does not want anyone getting in the way of that including newly drafted teammate, Tevin Coleman. However, right now Freeman is the man in charge as Coleman sits with an injury.
Freeman entered training camp as the top running back for the Falcons, but head coach Dan Quinn and offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan stressed that they want an equal rotation between the two running backs. However, Coleman was nowhere to be seen on the fifth day of practice causing Freeman to push further ahead in the race. According to Quinn via AtlantaFalcons.com, Coleman is dealing with a hamstring injury suffered during practice which is why he sat out the scrimmage.
With Coleman out, there is another running back gaining some attention from the Falcons. Outside of Freeman, Coleman and Antone Smith, the Falcons signed Terron Ward as an undrafted free agent and he is suddenly getting compared to former Falcons running back, Michael Turner. Ward got a look with Coleman sitting out and according to Quinn, the 23-year-old might just be the steal of the offseason.
"He's always been a guy who's on the details," said Quinn, via AtlantaFalcons.com. "He's got a lot of regard from the rest of his teammates because he is that detailed. Early, as a young player, that's how you get that respect. You can count on this guy to get the job done."
For now, Freeman is the man in charge, just the way he likes it. The running back is looking to become more complete this season as both a rusher and receiver. That could be the difference maker in terms of staying at the top of the depth chart. The Falcons have high hopes that Freeman can capitalize off the momentum of last year and he has the confidence to make it happen.
"My mentality is I don't want to come off the field. I want to line up at receiver and have it still look natural. Catch the ball, run, block, do whatever it takes to win. I'll play special teams. Whatever it takes," Freeman said, via ESPN.com.
There is also a little competition brewing at the wide receiver spot. With Julio Jones and Roddy White as the two guaranteed threats, the door is wide open to find the replacement for Harry Douglas. Both Justin Hardy and Leonard Hankerson have been earning rave reviews as camp carries on, but White denies that his spot is in jeopardy.
"It always happens like that when new coaches come in: There's always going to be someone else that they like and that they want to put in to see what he can do. There are going to be times when he's in the game, and I'm not in the game. I'm not going to see myself as not being a starter. I am definitely the starter." White said, via ESPN.
