Lofton at center of the defense

[falcon057]

Lofton at center of the defense;Third-year linebacker is leading the unit's resurgence by example.
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D. Orlando Ledbetter; Staff , The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Updated Oct 1, 2010 4:40 AM ET

FLOWERY BRANCH --- San Francisco coach Mike Singletary paid Falcons middle linebacker Curtis Lofton the ultimate compliment.

Singletary, a 1998 inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, likes Lofton's style of play and called him a "throwback."

"He plays the position the way it's supposed to be played," said Singletary, who terrorized offenses for 11 seasons in the NFL before entering the coaching ranks.

Lofton, a third-year starter for the Falcons, is tied for the team lead in tackles with 27. He is at the center of a unit that the franchise targeted for improvement this season. Through three games, the defense appears to be much improved.

Take away two mistakes which resulted in touchdown runs of 50 and 80 yards, and the Falcons' defense would be giving up only 58 yards per game.

The pass defense, which was 28th in the league last season, gave up 365 yards Sunday in a 27-24 victory over New Orleans, but did not give up touchdown catches in two of three games.

At the center of the defensive rebirth is Lofton.

"He is the quarterback of the defense in terms of making calls and making checks," Falcons coach Mike Smith said. "Our system relies heavily on making adjustments to things that happen from the time the team comes out of the huddle until the ball is snapped."

Lofton is tied for the team lead in tackles with rookie Sean Weatherspoon, who has an ankle injury. Lofton started as a rookie, but came out in passing downs. Weatherspoon is playing all downs, and Lofton has helped to get him up to speed.

"It's been a great addition," Lofton said. "Spoon, he's very good in coverage. He's good against the run. As a rookie, he hasn't been playing like a rookie. So that's really good to have."

On Lofton's other side is veteran Mike Peterson, who has tried to pass along the wisdom of a 12-year veteran.

"I had to just show the guys the way and how it's supposed to be done," Peterson said.

Lofton is a low-key guy who quietly goes about his business of smashing into running backs in tight and open spaces. He had a powerful body-slam of New Orleans running back Pierre Thomas after he caught a short pass Sunday. He tries to maintain a level head while playing a destructive and high-energy brand of defense.

Lofton has some secrets to his style of play.

"I think it's just attitude," Lofton said.

While cautioning that it's very early in the season, he has seen improvement in the defense.

"Every one is making an effort to get to the ball," Lofton said. "Everybody has been playing real good. The secondary has been getting turnovers, [we've had] forced fumbles and interceptions; that helps out a lot."

Lofton is appreciative of the comments by Singletary, but for now, he wants to destroy the 49ers' offense, which has a new offensive coordinator.

"We'll just look at what they did in the past three games and guess on what they are going to do," Lofton said. "They have a lot of weapons, and I'm pretty sure they are going to try to get the ball into their weapons' hands."

It seems strange to have a third-year player as a leader on the defense.

"Curtis has done good job of not necessarily being given that job, but earning that job," Smith said.

Next for Falcons

Who: vs. 49ers

When: 1 p.m. Sunday

TV; radio: Fox; 92.9

[Stewie]

"He plays the position the way it's supposed to be played," said Singletary, who terrorized offenses for 11 seasons in the NFL before entering the coaching ranks.



High praise from one of the best to EVER play the position.

[TAZZ77]

(10-01-2010 11:08 AM)Stewie Wrote:  
"He plays the position the way it's supposed to be played," said Singletary, who terrorized offenses for 11 seasons in the NFL before entering the coaching ranks.



High praise from one of the best to EVER play the position.

Its is good praise but I will go with Butkus or Lambert just a shade over Singletary.
But great article and I am really happy with our LB core as a whole. I know Pete takes alot of heat and his age may leave him a step behind on some plays but nearly every game he makes a game changing play and that makes up for it. Lofton hits like a ton of breaks he can fill the whole and explode RB's with the best in the business and really is the glue that holds the D together. Spoon tied for the lead in tackles was a nice surprise and hopefully forshadows great things to come really bummed he is a little nicked up this week but I am sure he will be fine. We are hopefully just playing it safe because we have quality depth in Nicholas who can really put pressure on the QB.

[Knight of God]

(10-01-2010 11:30 AM)TAZZ77 Wrote:  Its is good praise but I will go with Butkus or Lambert just a shade over Singletary.
But great article and I am really happy with our LB core as a whole. I know Pete takes alot of heat and his age may leave him a step behind on some plays but nearly every game he makes a game changing play and that makes up for it. Lofton hits like a ton of breaks he can fill the whole and explode RB's with the best in the business and really is the glue that holds the D together. Spoon tied for the lead in tackles was a nice surprise and hopefully forshadows great things to come really bummed he is a little nicked up this week but I am sure he will be fine. We are hopefully just playing it safe because we have quality depth in Nicholas who can really put pressure on the QB.

I put all three in the same class.

[The Falcon Jedi]

Lofton is THE MAN