Falcons' Ground Game Key to Successful NFC South Run in 2015

The Atlanta Falcons had more than a few problems in 2014, but at first glance offense wasn't one of them. The team ranked a respectable eighth in the NFL in that regard, piling up nearly 380 yards a game.

However, that offense was about as one-dimensional as offenses get. If the Falcons are going to improve and get back into the mix in the NFC South in Dan Quinn's first year as head coach, then that offense needs to get better. That offense needs to find balance.

The Falcons need to run the ball.

Player	Att.	Yards	Avg.	TD
Steven Jackson*	190	707	3.7	6
Devonta Freeman	65	248	3.8	1
Jacquizz Rodgers*	58	217	3.7	1
Antone Smith	23	144	6.3	2

Last year, that was a problem. Veteran Steven Jackson looked more like a 61-year-old running back than a 31-year-old running back. Antone Smith, Jacquizz Rodgers and rookie Devonta Freeman had their moments, but the Falcons ranked a pedestrian 24th in the NFL in rushing.

It appears the Falcons are well aware that ranking isn't going to cut it.

The team spent a third-round pick in the 2015 NFL draft on Tevin Coleman. According to Lance Zierlein of NFL.com, the Indiana product never saw contact he didn't like:

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His violent running style is a joy to watch, but might have to be tempered to extend his career. He is a "race car in the red" on just about every snap and refuses to give in, which leads to many big runs. The biggest concern for teams about Coleman is the uncertainty about whether he can become a more patient runner and improve as a tackle-breaker. Has the burst and top-end speed to be a game-changing running back for a team looking for a workhorse.

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At 6'1" and 210 pounds, Coleman would appear to be a better fit as a so-called "featured" back than Freeman, who is five inches shorter. However, Freeman—who gained 248 yards on 65 carries as a rookie—told Andrew Hirsh of the team's website that he isn't about to just hand over his starting job.

“I take a lot of pride in (being the go-to guy),” Freeman said. "This has always been my dream. I never had a dream to come to the NFL and play second to (any) man."

Quinn also talked up Freeman's ability to carry the load for the Falcons:

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I love the competitive attitude Devonta brings. To me, when you’re having one of the best offseasons you’ve ever had, he’s one of the guys like, "I’m here, coach. I’m ready." He wants to be the first to do everything, and that tells you what the competitor is.

I can’t wait to watch him work. He doesn’t back down from anything. That’s one of things I love about Devonta the most. He just, every challenge, "Yep. I’m ready for the next one." That’s one of the things I really do admire about him and his game.

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Of course, Coleman isn't hearing any of that. In fact, as Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports, soon after being drafted by the Falcons, Coleman (over 2,000 yards in Bloomington last year) proclaimed he was ready to take over the starting job.

McClure doesn't necessarily think there will be an individual "winner" of this battle:

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Freeman and Coleman will push each other daily, which should only benefit the Falcons going into the 2015 season. Freeman has impressed the new coaching staff with his pass-catching skills, while both players have to show the ability to consistently block when it comes to pass protection. I anticipate a two-back system with equal reps as the Falcons make a concerted effort to bring more offensive balance with a stronger run game. And don’t count out the contribution of explosive Antone Smith, who could be back to his old self once he fully recovers from a broken leg.

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And that's likely what's best for the Falcons.

Coleman is a banger, the sort of between-the-tackles grinder who can pick up tough yards on early downs. Freeman's receiving ability will come in handy on third downs. Smith showed quite a knack for making the most of limited opportunities in 2014.

If you don't have a single running back who can do it all, the next best thing is a stable of backs with varying skills. "Backenstein," if you will.

However the Falcons get it done, it's imperative that they run the ball more effectively in 2015. And the reason why has very little to do with the offense.

Last year, the Falcons were dead last in the NFL in defense, allowing just under 400 yards a game. They ranked 30th in sacks. Yes, those defensive struggles were a big reason why the team hired Quinn, and the Falcons tried to improve the defense with the addition of players like 2015 first-round pick Vic Beasley.

With that said, the reality is the Atlanta defense will probably not be very good in 2015. One easy way to prevent the defense from being exposed is to keep it off the field altogether.

Last year, the Falcons ranked 24th in the NFL in time of possession. The more they can improve that stat, the less time that defense will be in the crosshairs.

A more effective run game would also help the Falcons close out opponents when they have a lead. Last October in London, the Falcons raced to a 21-0 lead over the Detroit Lions. But the Falcons couldn't bleed the clock. Or stop the Lions.

The result was a devastating 22-21 loss that all but sealed the fate of former head coach Mike Smith.

In today's era of spread offenses and more passing than ever before, it may seem odd to put this much emphasis on the run game—especially considering the Falcons have quarterback Matt Ryan and wide receiver Julio Jones leading the offense.

However, whether it's to keep a sketchy defense on the sidelines or dictate the tempo of games, if the Falcons are going to rebound in 2015, it isn't Ryan and Jones who need to step it up.

It's Coleman, Freeman and Smith who are going to have to carry the mail in that regard.

Gary Davenport is an NFL analyst at Bleacher Report and a member of the Fantasy Sports Writers Association and the Pro Football Writers of America. You can follow Gary on Twitter at @IDPSharks.