Rev_Hal Posted March 5, 2012 Share Posted March 5, 2012 I heard an interview this weekend that stated the Falcons would go with Dent if Lofton is not resigned. Is Dent capable of taking on that role? I have seem him make a few special teams tackles, but he may be a considerable step down from Lofton. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flying Falcon Posted March 5, 2012 Share Posted March 5, 2012 In this defense? I would say yes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rev_Hal Posted March 5, 2012 Author Share Posted March 5, 2012 In this defense? I would say yes.I just don't know enough about the guy. Is he a true run stopper? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vel Posted March 5, 2012 Share Posted March 5, 2012 I don't see it. Dent is more high cut and isn't as stout as Lofton. Lofton is a boulder to move at 6' 250. He is like a mini DT. Dent's pass coverage is just as bad as Lofton's so unless Dent is a stout MLB, then no I don't see it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Radiohead Posted March 5, 2012 Share Posted March 5, 2012 Perhaps not initially, and he will have a huge learning curve.The good thing is that now Spoon is very comfortable, and I think he knows the defense well enough to be a leader/teacher type.He'd likely make his share of mistakes, but I think Dent could develop into a solid starting MLB. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flying Falcon Posted March 5, 2012 Share Posted March 5, 2012 I just don't know enough about the guy. Is he a true run stopper?He was a downhill player at UGA ( and I dont like UGA), but understand in Nolan's defense is that he dont want you to be an individual in his defense. He wants you to be part of the team. What that mean? Well, instead of Dent being the guy in the middle to make the play (like stopping runs); Dent will be just one of the players stopping the run on ever running play. See? Now you go from just one player on defense making a play to one of many making the play. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xx FaLcOhoLiC Xx Posted March 5, 2012 Share Posted March 5, 2012 I like Dent. He impressed me alot on Special Teams this past season. With a full offseason to prepare, this kid might be something to look out for. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Master Exploder Posted March 5, 2012 Share Posted March 5, 2012 I know Akeem Dent personally. He's ready to take over the starting job. That's all I'm going to say on the subject. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swift&Change Posted March 5, 2012 Share Posted March 5, 2012 No .. You just dont replace defensive leaders that easily . Dent is also stiff in hips and doesnt shed blockers like Lofton . Can he play inside yes but he wont be close to how effective Lofton was . This is about production value and drop . Does TD see the drop off from Lofton to Dent worth price of Lofton contract . Also anyone who thinks Lofton was bad in coverage . Well Dent is worse . Sign Lofton he is our defensive leader Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newgafatboy Posted March 5, 2012 Share Posted March 5, 2012 (edited) falcons have a bit of a history letting good line backers walk, simmenou or something like that, went on to be really good in philly and NO , demario williams, then Boley, now maybe lofton.notice i didnt mention Brooking, he was past his prime when he was allowed to exit. Edited March 5, 2012 by newgafatboy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Master Exploder Posted March 5, 2012 Share Posted March 5, 2012 falcons have a bit of a history letting good line backers walk, simmenou or something like that, went on to be really good in philly and NO , demario williams, then Boley, now maybe lofton.notice i didnt mention Brooking, he was past his prime when he was allowed to exit.None of those players have been incredibly good after leaving the Falcons. Michael Boley was probably the one I was most upset with letting walk, but he hasn't been worth the contract that NY gave him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LADBABY Posted March 5, 2012 Share Posted March 5, 2012 Lofton has established himself and Dent is an unknown. If think Dent would be fineif need be but then I remember seeing Lofton moving from sideline to sideline makingtackles at the line of scrimmage. I see this with the same clarity that I remember seeingBrooking make tackles 5 yds. down field. There is an element of concern at making achange. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
delaigle Posted March 5, 2012 Share Posted March 5, 2012 (edited) Lofton was 2008 pick #37 from Oklahoma started at MLB day 1Dent was 2011 pick #91 from UGA spent 1st year as a back upStill I'm not convienced Dent is ready to be a starter.ADDEDAs much as Lofton is bad mouthed on these boards -- still NFL.com ranks his as the #5 LB (OLB+MLB+ILB) in the league for 2011.Is Dent ready to take over for the #5 league wide LB? Edited March 5, 2012 by delaigle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Free Radical Posted March 5, 2012 Share Posted March 5, 2012 From what I've seen and most scouting reports of the guy, I have no reason to believe he'd be good replacement for Lofton. People grossly talk down Lofton's coverage skills and some even call him a two-down linebacker. In case people might have missed out, Dent's profile has pretty much been summarized since day one as a two down linebacker. Throw in the fact that Lofton's the defensive leader on this team, and it makes the prospect of moving on from Lofton pretty stomach turning. Lofton may not be an elite player like Grimes or Weatherspoon, but he's a d*mn good MLB. You don't get rid of really good just because they're not elite. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
falconidae Posted March 5, 2012 Share Posted March 5, 2012 Think it's obvious that TD drafted Dent with that in mind. I would think that TD talked to Lofton's agent and realized Lofton wanted a huge payday.Sure Lofton would be better ,especially this year. But, Lofton will probably make 8 mil a year after he signs, Dent is making .5 mil, I don't think Lofton is 7.5 mil better than Dent. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Fibonacci Posted March 5, 2012 Share Posted March 5, 2012 here is my notes.one: Dent put up Lofton numbers in college, but Dent played in a harder confrence.Two: Weatherspoon is there and will result into helping him out.So yes I am fine with Dent taking over. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Falcons 'til Death Posted March 5, 2012 Share Posted March 5, 2012 It will depend on what they'll do with the D-line. If they go with a fatty in the middle like most 4-3 base defenses do I think Dent and the rest of the linebacker corps will be in great shape. Straight up Dent's behind Lofton on skill-set and experience, but we were put in a similar situation when Lofton first got here.Sink or swim, fortunately for us Lofton swam. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattRyan2Canton Posted March 5, 2012 Share Posted March 5, 2012 dent can hit and weatherspoon is a natural leader. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Free Radical Posted March 5, 2012 Share Posted March 5, 2012 here is my notes.How insightful... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
muskokas finest © Posted March 5, 2012 Share Posted March 5, 2012 Lofton >>>>Dent, plain and simple.However, Dent is good vs the run. When combined with Mike Peterson's replacement playing the passing downs, you should get equal value at a lower cost. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steel City Falcon Posted March 5, 2012 Share Posted March 5, 2012 I still think Lofton is coming back. But in case he doesn't Dent will have to step up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rev_Hal Posted March 5, 2012 Author Share Posted March 5, 2012 I still think Lofton is coming back. But in case he doesn't Dent will have to step up.Do we think the Falcons will look for another answer than Dent if Lofton goes? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LADBABY Posted March 5, 2012 Share Posted March 5, 2012 Do we think the Falcons will look for another answer than Dent if Lofton goes?We will have to pay to be sure. We could do that with Lofton. Might as well rolethe dice with Dent. We also have Atkins and a few draft picks. All kinds of training campcuts will be available down the road. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flying Falcon Posted March 5, 2012 Share Posted March 5, 2012 We will draft another LB in this year's draft. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freebird310 Posted March 5, 2012 Share Posted March 5, 2012 I think Dent may turn out to be a nice surprise for us, that being said , hopefully we find a way to retain Curtis Lofton ....... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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