Widely respected Falcons running backs coach Bobby Turner hopes to decrease Devonta Freeman’s carries in 2016.
“It’s about growth,” Turner told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “Free had a good year, but I’m expecting even a better year. Well, you’re saying, how can it be better? It can be even better with less carries or less catches because I’d obviously like to get Tevin (Coleman) more involved and that also keeps Free fresher.”
Freeman, who went to the Pro Bowl, rushed for 1,056 yards on 265 carries and scored 11 rushing touchdowns last season. He also caught 73 passes for 578 yards and three touchdowns.
Coleman, who was drafted it the third-round (73rd overall) of the 2015 draft out of Indiana, opened last season as the starting running back and got off to a promising start before suffering fractured ribs in the second game. While out, Freeman took over the position.
The story said despite Freeman's success, the team still has high hopes for Coleman, who was drafted with the current set of coaches. However, Coleman has proved to have ball security issues. While a tandem approach sounds like bad news for potential Freeman owners, the good news is Turner expects a better season out of Freeman so he should still get significant work. Freeman is ranked eighth on our RB list and has early-to-mid-second round value.
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