Akeem Dent is the new middle linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons after the loss of linebacker Curtis Lofton to the New Orleans Saints in the 2012 offseason, but Dent is not doing a great job replacing Lofton in production. Lofton was one of the best run stuffing linebackers in the NFL and in 2011 the Falcons were 6th in rushing yards allowed. Fast forward to the first four weeks of 2012 and the Falcons are 29thin run defense. That is largely due to the loss of Lofton and addition of cornerback Asante Samuel. Teams are more inclined to run it against the Falcons, because of Samuel and Dunta Robinson on the edges.

However the middle linebacker who replaced Curtis Lofton, Akeem Dent has to step up. Middle linebackers are supposed to usually lead the team in tackles, but in four games Dent has only 8 tackles combined. Dent has the 11th most tackles on the Falcons and for a middle linebacker that is not up to snuff. Lofton regularly had 100+ tackling games and Dent has to catch up. When safeties and cornerbacks are leading making the most tackles, then obviously there is an issue.

If Dent continues to be the least impactful linebacker on the Falcons, then it might not hurt to have Mike Peterson replace Dent. Peterson stepped in for the Falcons in 2009 and did a decent job. Peterson isn’t the total solution to the issue of course, but the Falcons have to find a spark on the defensive side of the ball in run defense. If this continues Matt Ryan and the high-powered offense of the Falcons will be left on the sideline while the other team runs out the clock to a win or worse a Playoff win against the Falcons at the Georgia dome. Falcons are 4-0 which is a good thing, but the defense has pieces everywhere for a Super Bowl run except for the middle linebacker position.

Can the Falcons get it done with a middle linebacker who recorded 0 tackles against a divisional opponent? Possibly, but the weakness of the Falcons defense is out in the open now. Every team after 4 weeks knows how to attack the Falcons now. This is a problem that has to be fixed soon or else the Falcons will go through another disappointing Playoff exit. Two more games till the Bye, so hopefully Dent will improve against the zone blocking schemes by the Washington Redskins and Oakland Raiders.

UPDATE

The Falcons are 5-0 and Dent continues to not get enough playing time to take away the run with only 2 tackles against the Washington Redskins who gained 202 yards on the ground. If it wasn’t for RG3 becoming injured, the Falcons might not of reached 5-0.

Advertisements