No one really knows why Coleman was named the starter for certain, but it's pretty clear Atlanta didn't have a super high opinion on Freeman- he didn't take many carries away from an ancient SJax and JAG Quizz last year, and then they used a higher pick than they used on him to take Coleman. Just a reminder, even after these two games that everyone is going bonkers over, Freeman has a 3.8 ypc avg. on the season...
Regardless, it seems likely that both will get carries going forward, and whichever performs better will command more of them (fwiw, that was Coleman for the first two games of the season).
Look at when he was primary back and he is over 4.0 and those first two games he was still getting healthy. So while you can say count everything you need to remember that things have changed and freeman is now fully healthy.
What's the excuse for last year?
Different coaches and systems. Rookie season learning the game.
So last year it was that he was a rookie learning the game and the coaches/system stunk, and the 1st two weeks of this year it was that he was injured, and then magically everything that has been holding him back was lifted and the last two weeks is what he's always been? I'm guessing the drafting of Coleman with a higher pick than they used on him was just for depth, right? Also, if a rookie learning the game is a major hindrance, doesn't that mean that Coleman should also improve dramatically in the future?
He's played well the last two weeks, but his track record overall hasn't been good, and IMO most of the last two weeks is due to the play of the O-line.
Look dont own him if you dont want but these are legitimate reasons (not even excuses) as to why he would under perform. I dont think anyone expects him to stay on this pace but at this point he is solidly entrenched as a 1RB the rest of the year likely.
Having a mediocre first year as a backup does not relegate you to the cellar for the rest of your career, just as having a first year that is successful could mean you are Trent Richardson. Things change, including opportunity, players around you, work ethic, and simple luck.
By the way in case you didn't see it there have been 16 players with back to back 30 point games since 2000
:
Brian Westbrook 2008
Clinton Portis 2003
DeAngelo Williams 2008
Deuce McAllister 2003
LaDainian Tomlinson 2003, 2006
Larry Johnson 2005
Le'Veon Bell 2014
Marshall Faulk* 2000, 2001
Mike Anderson 2000
Priest Holmes 2003. 2004
Ricky Williams 2000, 2002
Steven Jackson 2006
Let me know if you think any of these guys were fantasy busts during those seasons? Also take a look a Le'Veon Bell as a Rookie (NO I AM NOT SAYING FREEMAN WILL BE BELL FOR SURE):
2013 - 244 for 860
(3.5) and 8TDs w/ 45 receptions for 399 and 0TDs
The Steelers even brought in another RB who performed pretty well the year prior in Blount and were paying him more than Bell going in to the season, although Bell was still projected to be the #1. At this point Coleman will likely eat in to some of the touches for Freeman but if he keeps producing there is no way they can pull him from the field.