Post by Guvmintcheeze on Sept 17, 2015 15:44:37 GMT
Falcons rookie Tevin Coleman looking for 100 yards every game
Vaughn McClure, ESPN Staff Writer
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Tevin Coleman isn't too familiar with Jerious Norwood, but the Atlanta Falcons rookie running back hopes to match something Norwood accomplished nine years ago.
Norwood was the last Falcons rookie to rush for 100 yards in a game when he went for 107 yards on nine carries against the Washington Redskins (December, 2006). Norwood's total included a 69-yard touchdown run.
Coleman is more than capable of ripping off a big run, like he did so often in college. But he showed in his season-opening performance against the Eagles that he can pound out the 4- and 5-yard runs, too. He finished his debut with 80 yards on 20 carries.
"It would mean a lot (to reach 100) because you want to be a back that can rush for over 100 yards," Coleman said. "That's one of my goals; to do that every game. I'm trying to play right now and trying to play fast. If it comes, it comes. If it doesn't, it doesn't. I'm just trying to do my job and help my team win."
Well, the Falcons won Monday night, and Coleman played a crucial role. He helped establish offensive balance, which was a priority coming into the season. And truth be told, Coleman probably should have reached 100 in the process. He had a 16-yard run wiped out by a hold on left guard Andy Levitre and was dropped for a loss or no gain on two plays that weren't blocked well, including the late third-and-1 play that resulted in a 4-yard loss.
Overall, Coleman felt good about his outing.
"I think I did everything within my power," Coleman said. "I can always critique my work and make better reads. It was my first game. I didn't know what to expect. I can get a lot better."
Quarterback Matt Ryan sure appreciated what he saw from Coleman.
"There's no reason to think he can't get (100 yards)," Ryan said. "Obviously, he showcased a little bit on Monday night. You can see glimpses of what he's going to be. I thought he played really well for the first time going out there. I certainly have all the confidence in the world that he's going to be a great player for us."
Coleman expressed his appreciation for Ryan's high praise.
"It feels good because Matt is one of the leaders of this team," Coleman said. "He does everything right and tries to do everything perfectly. So, I'm just trying to be a pro like him."
If the Falcons can get a body on Giants run-stuffer Cullen Jenkins, slow down active linebacker Uani Unga, and watch out for run blitzes from free safety Landon Collins, there's a good chance Coleman will have success in New York. Maybe he will even reach his goal of 100 yards. The last Falcon to do so was Steven Jackson against Arizona in November. And that was Atlanta's only 100-yard rushing game all of last season.
Vaughn McClure, ESPN Staff Writer
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Tevin Coleman isn't too familiar with Jerious Norwood, but the Atlanta Falcons rookie running back hopes to match something Norwood accomplished nine years ago.
Norwood was the last Falcons rookie to rush for 100 yards in a game when he went for 107 yards on nine carries against the Washington Redskins (December, 2006). Norwood's total included a 69-yard touchdown run.
Coleman is more than capable of ripping off a big run, like he did so often in college. But he showed in his season-opening performance against the Eagles that he can pound out the 4- and 5-yard runs, too. He finished his debut with 80 yards on 20 carries.
"It would mean a lot (to reach 100) because you want to be a back that can rush for over 100 yards," Coleman said. "That's one of my goals; to do that every game. I'm trying to play right now and trying to play fast. If it comes, it comes. If it doesn't, it doesn't. I'm just trying to do my job and help my team win."
Well, the Falcons won Monday night, and Coleman played a crucial role. He helped establish offensive balance, which was a priority coming into the season. And truth be told, Coleman probably should have reached 100 in the process. He had a 16-yard run wiped out by a hold on left guard Andy Levitre and was dropped for a loss or no gain on two plays that weren't blocked well, including the late third-and-1 play that resulted in a 4-yard loss.
Overall, Coleman felt good about his outing.
"I think I did everything within my power," Coleman said. "I can always critique my work and make better reads. It was my first game. I didn't know what to expect. I can get a lot better."
Quarterback Matt Ryan sure appreciated what he saw from Coleman.
"There's no reason to think he can't get (100 yards)," Ryan said. "Obviously, he showcased a little bit on Monday night. You can see glimpses of what he's going to be. I thought he played really well for the first time going out there. I certainly have all the confidence in the world that he's going to be a great player for us."
Coleman expressed his appreciation for Ryan's high praise.
"It feels good because Matt is one of the leaders of this team," Coleman said. "He does everything right and tries to do everything perfectly. So, I'm just trying to be a pro like him."
If the Falcons can get a body on Giants run-stuffer Cullen Jenkins, slow down active linebacker Uani Unga, and watch out for run blitzes from free safety Landon Collins, there's a good chance Coleman will have success in New York. Maybe he will even reach his goal of 100 yards. The last Falcon to do so was Steven Jackson against Arizona in November. And that was Atlanta's only 100-yard rushing game all of last season.