Atlanta’s Freeman gets first pro start

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Preparing to make the first start of his professional career on Sunday, Devonta Freeman said he will bring some aggression to the Falcons’ running game.

Freeman said knowing that he will be starting in place of injured rookie Tevin Coleman on Sunday in Dallas has not affected how he’s practiced.

“I always tell myself, if you’re not the starter, you’re always one play away,” Freeman said. “Everyone who plays has an injury (at some point), so you never know. I think it’s very important to have that mindset everyday and come prepared everyday to practice.”

Tackle Jake Matthews said he and the rest of the Falcons’ line are excited to see Freeman get the start against the Cowboys.

“We love seeing [Freeman] back there,” Matthews said. “He’s a great player and makes [the line] look good.”

Freeman said he’s still trying to get into the rhythm of the offense since recovering from a hamstring injury that sidelined him nearly all preseason.

Offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan said Freeman’s performance in the first two games has erased any fear of weakness from his hamstring trouble.

“He’s gotten his legs back under him and I feel like he’s fully healthy,” Shanahan said. “He got a few more reps last week once Tevin went down and I feel like he’s finally healthy enough where he can handle the position he’s going to be in this week.”

Before suffering a cracked rib last Sunday against the Giants, Coleman had 29 carries for 112 yards and one touchdown. Freeman has 22 carries for 43 yards and one touchdown, while averaging only 1.95 yards per carry. Last season, Freeman averaged 3.8 yards per carry.

Falcons Coach Dan Quinn has stressed improving the running game after his team was held to 56 rushing yards in their 24-20 victory against the Giants.

“Our run game has got to come alive,” Quinn said. “We have our work cut out for us in terms of allowing our runner to run one gap at a time, staying on track and then making our cuts.”

Quinn said that with Coleman out indefinitely, he feels fortunate to have reserves like Freeman and rookie Terron Ward who can step in.

Quinn said regardless of who starts at running back, the Falcons offensive scheme will not change. He said the Falcons have a major challenge in the Cowboys’ defense.