The Atlanta Falcons want Devonta Freeman to carry the football less often this coming season.

They want to keep Freeman fresher and give Tevin Coleman more of a chance to contribute.

"It's about growth," running backs coach Bobby Turner said. "Free had a good year, but I'm expecting even a better year. Well, you're saying, how can it be better? It can be even better with less carries or less catches because I'd obviously like to get Tevin more involved and that also keeps Free fresher."

Freeman had 1,634 yards from scrimmage and 14 combined touchdowns last year.

"We want them competing," Turner said. "They are very similar. They both are competitive. They both can catch the football. They both have run instincts. When it comes down to it, the one difference is the flat out long speed of Tevin Coleman."