Altanta Falcons' Two-Deep: Linebackers

Our Two-Deep Summer Series continues with the group that I believe will be the key to Atlanta's defense rising in the NFL ranks of 2010: the linebackers.

Fans of the Atlanta Falcons have noticed that since Thomas Dimitroff has taken over as the general manager, the team has been built similar to the New England Patriots in that they have linebackers who can play multiple positions. Whether the weak side, strong side, or middle, Dimitroff has drafted players who are versatile, which is needed when playing offenses that use multiple receivers such as the New Orleans Saints.

This past offseason, Atlanta made it a priority to bring in depth on defense, and followed through with the drafting of Missouri LB Sean Weatherspoon with the 19th pick in the 2010 NFL Draft.  The Falcons were looking for someone who can play both the run and the pass, especially on third down coverage. 

Going back in history the greatest defenses in the league usually have strong play from their linebackers, and Atlanta has the potential to join those groups in 2010. So without further ado, let's take a look at the potential starters, and those who will provide depth for the Atlanta Falcons' linebackers.

1. Curtis Lofton

The crown jewel of the linebacker corps. The third-year LB out of Oklahoma quickly established himself as a force during his rookie season, as he garnered All-Rookie honors in 2008, and has led the team in tackles his first two seasons.

I fully expect this to be the year that Lofton takes this defense to the next level, and makes the Pro Bowl as a starter. He possesses the kind of presence that opposing offenses must game plan for as well as the ability to stuff out the run with amazing lateral quickness, as well as taking down tight ends or wide receivers upon contact.

2. Sean Weatherspoon

As mentioned earlier, this year's first round pick brings a run stuffing ability to a unit that was inconsistent at times last year.  He has received a lot of praise from linebackers coach Glenn Pires for grasping the defensive system to quickly, which is only a plus. 

I do expect the guy known as "Spoon" to start Week One in Pittsburgh. He has shown an ability to mesh with the veterans already and is used to playing passing offenses in the Big 12. Don't be surprised if his name isn't provided the same type of praise at the end of 2010, that fellow Big 12 alum Lofton received during his rookie campaign. 

3. Stephen Nicholas

The enigma of the linebacking corps. Nicholas has shown flashes of brilliance his first few seasons as a Falcon, but not with the consistency that I think head coach Mike Smith expects.

That said, I do think Nicholas will be a starter this season. Having players such as Lofton and Weatherspoon alongside Nicholas, will allow him to get more opportunities to blitz. 

4. Mike Peterson

One of Smith's first moves upon becoming Atlanta's coach was to bring in one of his veterans from his days in Jacksonville. Mike Peterson came in last season and instantly made his presence in leading the defense in the season opener against Miami. 

I don't think he will be starting over Nicholas due to the fact he is 35 years old, and wore down as last season progressed into the latter months. He will come off the bench and provide depth, with the capability to still provide the big play. Not bad for a former Florida Gator!

5. Coy Wire

I will just say for the record that I love Coy Wire's heart and talent.  He was voted one of the team captains for 2008 for his hustle and ability to make clutch plays when needed. In addition, he is one of those versatile players who is going to make things happen on both defense and special teams. 

Even though he is listed on the second string depth chart, I am sure he will get a lot of playing time next season—even more than Peterson—since he can play so many positions. Should any of the first three falter, especially Nicholas, expect Wire to immediately come in and become a threat to opposing offenses.

The other two linebackers who I think will be on the roster come Week One are Robert James and Spencer Adkins. Here were some recent quotes by LB coach Pires on each player in a recent interview in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution :

On James : “He’s coming along well. It’s his third year in our system. We are excited about getting him into the preseason games.”

On Adkins : “Being in the system and knowing, talking and communicating, then they play faster. Those are two guys (James and Adkins) who I think are starting to play fast.”

Another question that people had was whether or not Atlanta will use their linebackers to blitz more in 2010. It truly depends on the opponent.

While it may work against a team with a younger quarterback such as Tampa Bay's Josh Freeman or Philadelphia's Kevin Kolb , it wouldn't be wise to keep blitzing Drew Brees or Aaron Rodgers , who can both pick a defense apart. Perhaps injecting more stunt blitzes with Lofton and Nicholas will be best, allowing Weatherspoon to stay back in coverage.

Finally, the linebacker I'm rooting for to make the roster is rookie free agent Bear Woods out of Troy University. Besides, who wouldn't want a guy named Bear on their team?