Packers vs. Falcons: Tale of the tape ahead of NFC Championship

Running backs

No team boasts a 1-2 punch in the backfield like the Falcons. Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman have transformed a once dormant rushing attack over the past two seasons.

Freeman is the more talented of the two, piling up 1,079 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground during the regular season. Coleman, sidelined for five games with a hamstring injury, still added 520 yards and eight touchdowns in an impressive sophomore season.

Freeman’s versatility gives defensive coordinators fits. He’s small but powerful, rattling between the tackles. A perfect fit in Kyle Shanahan’s zone-blocking scheme, Freeman has entered the top tier at the running back position.

Coleman acts as the perfect complement, his speed deadly in the open field, particularly on stretch plays and screens.

The Packers running back room looks different than it did in September. No longer do we see Eddie Lacy running through tacklers each Sunday, instead it’s receiver-turned-running back Ty Montgomery, who has adapted nicely into his new role. Montgomery displays patience and good vision in the backfield, with the strength to add chunks of yardage after contact. His history as a receiver makes him a moveable chess piece in Mike McCarthy’s offense.

Christine Michael is the downhill, power back Green Bay misses in Lacy, but his role continues to be a limited one.

Advantage: Atlanta