Asante Samuel Bringing Leadership, Swagger To Falcons Secondary

Let's get this out of the way: Not everyone loves Asante Samuel.

There were Eagles fans and pundits who thought he had lost it, not to mention his own coach. There are fans and players who find him mouthy and arrogant.

You're not likely to hear his fellow Falcons say that, though, and it looks like Samuel is going to bring a needed swagger to this team. The Falcons have been an even-keeled team in the past, a terrific team with a lot of talent but without a ton of in-your-face attitude.While I'm not someone who believes a team's attitude makes a massive difference in how they play on Sundays, I also don't think that being a little more fired up ever hurts.

What Samuel is bringing to the table is a nice mix of veteran leadership and that aforementioned swagger, working with the younger guys and trying to pump them up. It's a nice complement to the more quiet leadership exhibited by dudes like Chris Owens and Dunta Robinson.

Pro Football Focus and Football Outsiders still love Samuels in coverage, and that's what the Falcons need him for. Forget the noise: I do believe he's just what this secondary needs, very real tackling concerns aside.

Hit me with your opinion on Samuel.