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Falcons’ success depends on defense

September 22, 2010 by  
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The key to the Falcons success this year will depend on the defense, which ranked 21st in the league last year. Curtis Lofton has emerged as the leader of the defense recording 105 tackles, 38 more than his 2008 rookie campaign.

Starting alongside Lofton the Falcons will be starting their highly touted first round draft pick Sean Weatherspoon. The rookie Weatherspoon was a weak side linebacker for Missouri last year, finishing the season with 155 tackles and 3 interceptions. Coming from the Big 12 conference, Weatherspoon is no stranger to playing coverage, a factor that hindered the Falcons defense last year.

If Weatherspoon can stay healthy his name will be thrown around in rookie of the year discussions. The secondary will be lead by Safety Thomas Decoud and newcomer Dunta Robinson, a native of Athens, Ga. The Falcons signed Robinson to a six-year contract worth $57 million and $22.5 in guaranteed money. Robinson is a top ten cornerback and brings a lock down mentality every game, which will help stabilize a pass defense which was the biggest concern coming into this year.

On the offensive side of the ball, the dynamic duo of Matt Ryan and Roddy White, will depend heavily on the success of the running game of Michael Turner. Turner only played 11 games last year due to injury. If Turner can stay healthy and repeats his 2008 rushing numbers of 1,699 on 376 attempts with 17 touchdowns; it will open up the passing game for Ryan. Ryan had a “sophomore slump” last year but with Turner relieving Ryan of the offensive load this year, Ryan’s offensive numbers will thrive as will Roddy White’s, Ryan’s elite go to receiver.

The Falcons opened up their season September 12 against the Pittsburgh Steelers and played a terrific game. The Falcons played “Steel Curtain” defense against the Steelers and took Pittsburgh to overtime.

The Falcons retained possession of the ball at the start of overtime but quickly went three and out. Once the Steelers took control in overtime, Rashard Mendenhall burst up the right side and scored the game winning, 50 yard touchdown for Pittsburgh.

The Falcons will contend with the Saints for the top spot in the NFC South and come playoff time will be a dark horse to win the Super Bowl XLV.

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