Kyle Shanahan will have a familiar face in his running back room as Tevin Coleman reunites with his former offensive coordinator. In 2016, the Falcons scored 540 points en route to a super bowl berth. Coleman finished 2016 with 118 rushes, 520 yards, and five touchdowns but it's the passing game where Coleman excels. Shanahan frequently found ways to exploit mismatches with linebackers for chunk gains. Coleman's receiving line was impressive in 2016 as he finished with 31 receptions, 421 yards, and three receiving touchdowns on 40 targets. In 2018, Coleman finished with 32 receptions, 276 yards, and five receiving touchdowns on 41 targets. The yards per reception comparison is startling, 13.6 in 2016 to 8.6 in 2018.
Clearly, Coleman understands the scheme and what Shanahan expects from his running backs. Jerick Mckinnon, Matt Breida, and Coleman all have similar skill sets. Breida finished 2018 as the league's fastest ball carrier at 22.09 MPH and Coleman was right behind him at 21.48 MPH on his fastest run. Coleman is the most polished route runner of the trio, so let's see some examples of how Shanahan may utilize Coleman in 2019.
The play design is excellent as Coleman comes in motion to the right inside slot and gets a free release as both Broncos defenders get tied up. The route is great but Coleman has plenty of grass in front of him and does the rest.
Almost identical to the first play. Coleman comes in motion and gets lined up with a linebacker. This time Coleman uses a jab step to accelerate past the defender for a beautiful over the shoulder catch.
More of the same in this play. Coleman's speed and shiftiness are on display here. Linebackers will have to deal with Coleman and either Breida or Mckinnon on the field at the same time. It's possible Kyle deploys all three with Coleman in the slot and Breida and Mckinnon in the backfield.
Defenses should shutter at the combination of speed and receiving prowess from this backfield. 2019 will be filled with headaches for defensive coordinators.
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