5 Running Back Training Camp Battles to Watch This Offseason

Atlanta Falcons

When asked about the lead back role in Atlanta this season, head coach Dan Quinn told reporters that second-year man Devonta Freeman and rookie Tevin Coleman were "absolutely battling for it."

But it's starting to look as if this battle may look less like a slugfest and more like a war of attrition.

When I say Devonta had a bad rookie season, that's putting it lightly. His -0.29 Rushing NEP per attempt placed him dead last among all tailbacks with at least 50 carries last year. If the fact that he ranked behind the much-maligned Bishop Sankey in something isn't enough for you, this mark is also the ninth-worst figure among all running backs since 2000.

However, Coleman isn't perfect either. Criticized for his inability to create for himself due to his stiff hips and reliance on the big play, some question whether his skill set is a good fit with Atlanta's offensive line, whose rush blocking was ranked 29th last season according to Pro Football Focus.

And though neither of these backs may be what you and I would consider a workhorse back, whoever wins this competition stands to benefit from new offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan's zone blocking system.

Going back to 2008 -- his first year as an offensive coordinator -- every back that has garnered at least 200 rush attempts under Shanahan has churned out a 1,000-yard rushing season in his system (Steve Slaton in 2008 and Alfred Morris in 2012 and 2013).

So if one of these backs can separate himself from the other and earn the lion's share of the workload for the Falcons, that tailback might just come away with a surprisingly productive season in 2015.