The Atlanta Falcons might again be favorites in the NFC South. The Falcons aren’t very different personnel wise, but there’s a lot of hype surrounding the changes they’ve made to the coaching staff as they prepare to make a run in what is supposed to be a big year for both the offense and the defense.
When we talk about that offense, the focus is almost always on Matt Ryan. But on defense, third-year linebacker could be on the verge of becoming a true leader, especially with veteran Curtis Lofton moving on as a free agent.
Sean Weatherspoon joined Archer and Bell on 790 The Zone in Atlanta to discuss the new defense in Atlanta, the opener in Kansas City and filling the void left by Curtis Lofton.
On the transition to Mike Nolan’s new defense:
“It’s a lot different than last year in the respect we do a lot more, we’re kind of complex. But at the same time it’s simple for the guys that are doing it because we’re comfortable with what we’re doing. And I think we’re getting there. We’re just working in order to just become more comfortable with the system. Just having Mike Nolan around, he’s a fun guy.”
On the atmosphere in Kansas City, where the Falcons open the season Sunday:
“Arrowhead is a place that I’ve played a few times and it’s a great atmosphere, I’ve heard nothing but great things about it — I’ve never been to a Chiefs game there but I’ve heard a lot of good things about it. We look forward to going into that environment and having an opportunity to come out with the win. And if you can start that evacuation at the end of the fourth quarter when you see their fans leave, that’s when you know you’ve done the right thing. So we definitely look forward to having that opportunity and I think it’ll be fun.”
On filling the leadership void left by Curtis Lofton:
“We had a lot of fun here playing, made a lot of plays here. He had to go and that kind of put me right in that position to step up, and I think that’s my job. It’s my third year, I think it’s time to step up and be that go-to guy on defense.”