Curtis Lofton: The Falcons' Defensive Anchor?

by Dave Choate on May 11, 2009 8:00 AM EDT in Editorial

Out of all the things that have come out of the minicamp so far, the most critical might be the subtle development of Curtis Lofton.

One of the team's rising young stars, Lofton has lost a little weight, says he's more ready than he's ever been for the pace of the NFL and is already emphasizing the team:

“They are looking to me as a leader, but there are other leaders. … So it’s just a matter of us working together.”

Make no mistake, that's going to be key for a defense that's going to have more than a few new pieces this year. John Abraham is a veteran and Mike Peterson will step up, I'm sure, but our middle linebacker is going to be at the very center of everything the Falcons do on defense this year. The fact that Lofton is coming ready to play and ready to stay on the field for three downs is encouraging. While he seems like he'd be happy to defer to his fellow defenders, there's little doubt that Lofton's going to set the pace this year.

After that short weekend, we also know that Tony Gonzalez is ready to go, Matt Ryan is back and (hopefully) better than ever, and that our rookie class looks sharp. I might be insane, but I expected to hear great news early on. What I didn't know is what Lofton was going to do this year, and it's a relief to have our future anchor in good shape. With any luck, our defensive line will be so good that he won't have to run himself ragged.

Your thoughts?

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Comments

Dave

im sure you dont need me to tell you to keep your feet on the ground for a few more months :D

go hard or go home

by TO falcon on May 11, 2009 8:06 AM EDT reply actions

It's becoming a little difficult!

by Dave Choate on May 11, 2009 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions

Koolaid

Its easy to over indulge.

" No, I think I'll sit in the balcony " - Abe Lincoln

by tapate50 on May 11, 2009 11:14 AM EDT reply actions

It is

Especially when it’s difficult to find a dark cloud at the moment. They will come, though. Fear not.

by Dave Choate on May 11, 2009 11:17 AM EDT up reply actions

Having been a Falcon fan since they hatched from their shell; I will say that one of the best things to happen for this team is the new owner.

by crawfordlong56 on May 11, 2009 12:29 PM EDT reply actions

Welcome to the site!

by Dave Choate on May 11, 2009 12:41 PM EDT up reply actions

Don't forget about

the new GM, and the new Head Coach, and the new QB, and the new………………….

In Dimitroff we trust

by Bonhoffer on May 11, 2009 1:51 PM EDT up reply actions

DEFENSE

hey dave,
I really believe the falcons defense will be greatly improved this year. Smith was a great defensive coach at jax, as well as van gorder at uga, brooking had lost a step, as well as milloy, so with the youth movement added with the vets we still have will allow smith to run the schemes he wants to on defense because he has the right personel to do it with now. I see the falcons defense improving to a top ten rated defense. the offense will be much better in the redzone than last year because of gonzalez alone, that will give us at least a 4-5 point bump up in points per game average. So plus 4-5 points on offense and minus 2-3 points on defense spells NFC title game??!! I can only dream!! lol

by ATLsince1972 on May 11, 2009 10:57 PM EDT reply actions

We can all dream, man

I’m starting my lofty expectations at a winning season, and anything beyond that is delicious gravy. Welcome to the site!

by Dave Choate on May 12, 2009 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions

yes, b2b winning seasons would be a great start

But I’m just hoping that TD can build our franchise to duplicate the patriots from 2001-2008. Could you actually imagine a falcons dynasty?!! lol
Please god if your listening- MAKE IT SO!!

by ATLsince1972 on May 13, 2009 2:47 AM EDT up reply actions

ps - I love ur site dude!!

by ATLsince1972 on May 11, 2009 11:00 PM EDT reply actions

I would be very, very, VERY happy

If the birds could just manage to go 9-7

"If you can’t get excited for Ryan throwing to Gonzalez, you’re either a robot or clinically dead. Or you’re a zombie robot, which is just plain awesome."
Dave the Falconer

by Pregame with Pabst on May 13, 2009 8:05 AM EDT reply actions

Falcon D

I can not wait to see the new Falcon D this season. I think that we have a lot of young, no named talent. I am still waiting to see the UGA defensive star Tony Gilbert play to his potential. Pittsburgh’s Harrison showed last year that 6’0 linebackers can play and compete at this level. Tony G., if you want to make a name for yourself STEP UP. Also Lofton is another diamond in the rough. My prediction is that ATL goes 9-7 in another year of rough and tough NFC South football (NFC and AFC East out of conference schedules).

by stroudj03 on May 14, 2009 8:48 AM EDT reply actions

QUESTION?!?!?!

Falcon’s secondary isn’t exactly our strength this season. Do you think that Adam “Pac-Man” Jones could be slightly appealing to our D? A contract with off-field character clause and a 24-7 personal “assistant” to help him out of making it rain in Magic City could be tempting……

by stroudj03 on May 14, 2009 8:52 AM EDT reply actions

I think Adam is one heck of a player, but should you have to continue to baby sit him? He has a lot of talent and would be great for the ATL, but A. Blank is not going for any problems. I would be the first falcon fan to welcome him.

by Debilah on May 14, 2009 11:35 AM EDT up reply actions