Atlanta Falcons: A very different running game in 2015

The Atlanta Falcons are currently going through a lot of change over this offseason. With a new coaching staff led by head coach Dan Quinn, personnel is being evaluated. As the cap casualties continue around the NFL, the Falcons are one of the teams that has been doing some house cleaning.

Some of the bigger names on the offseason ball that have been let go by the Falcons are wide receiver Harry Douglas, offensive lineman Justin Blalock, and running back Steven Jackson. The move to release Blalock comes as the best example of a new system leading to personnel change. New offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan uses a zone-blocking system that requires a certain type of lineman that Blalock is not.

Blalock was a staple in the Falcons’ offensive line since he was drafted by Atlanta 39th overall in the 2007 NFL Draft. Blalock is only 31 year old and had a decent season last year so he will have plenty of suitors. It goes to show the new direction the Falcons are heading in.

Another player’s release that shows the new direction of the Falcons’ running game was the release of Jackson. The move to release the running back was expected by the Falcons. It saves them more than $3 million next season. Last year the Falcons were one of the worst teams in the NFL at running the football, and Jackson was their leading-rusher.

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In 2014, Jackson had 707 yards on 190 carries, a disappointing 3.7 yards per carry. It was a clear sign that the Falcons need change at the running back position.

With the release of Jackson and teammates Jacquizz Rodgers and Antone Smith as potential free agents, Devonta Freeman is potentially the lone running back remaining on the roster. Last season, the rookie was the primary backup to Jackson, totaling 248 yards rushing on 65 carries (3.8 yards per carry). Freeman was a good receiver for Matt Ryan, totaling 30 receptions for 225 yards out of the backfield.

At the NFL Combine, Falcons’ general manager Thomas Dimitroff was asked about whether or not Freeman could be an every-down running back for the Falcons. “Yes, no question,” said Dimitroff to Reid Ferrin of AtlantaFalcons.com.

Dec 21, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) calls a play against the New Orleans Saints during the third quarter at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

With Kyle Shanahan as the offensive coordinator, the Falcons should expect a better running game if his resume is any indication. Shanahan is excited about his new job with the Falcons as he will have an elite passing combination in Ryan and Julio Jones. But Shanahan also knows that finding a running back is important. “I’m really looking forward to seeing them and getting them here in OTAs and seeing what we can do,” Shanahan said to Ferrin. “I like a good running back. There’s no absolute. I’ve had big guys, and I’ve had smaller guys, I’ll take any type of guy.”

Despite support from the general manager, Freeman will likely not just be handed the starting running back job in 2015. The Falcons do have money to spend in a deep free agency running back class. There is also plenty of options in the later rounds in the NFL Draft as Shanahan and management can look for a running back that fits their system.

Next: Who will the Falcons sign in free agency?

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