MLB Curtis Lofton became an immediate centerpiece on a defense desperate to shape a new identity following a deflating '07 season, when the "D" ranked 29th, after Atlanta used its 2008 second-round pick on the Oklahoma product.

On the heels of a 94-tackle rookie campaign, Lofton helped the Falcons' "D" jump to 25th in the league and established himself as an up-and-coming linebacker.

Ironically, entering this season, Lofton will focus more on moving backward. His coverage skills emerged as a weakness last season.

"We got ourselves a physical middle linebacker at the point of attack," Falcons defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder said of Lofton. "We have a real strong guy. I think he needs to improve his route coverage."

During his rookie season, Lofton struggled to grasp coverage concepts. As a result, he was taken out during obvious passing situations. VanGorder says that improving his pass coverage will make Lofton a more complete linebacker.

While VanGorder would not indicate whether Lofton would be in on some of the Falcons' sub-packages, the 23-year-old 'backer dropped weight during the offseason to try to improve his speed and is currently in competition for more defensive reps.

"Everyone has expectations for themselves and the team and for the defense," Lofton said.  "We need to get more pressure on the quarterback and in passing situations."

GM Thomas Dimitroff set out to accomplish two main tasks — run the ball with efficiency and stop the opposition's ground game — when he took over a Falcons franchise that had become discombobulated by the surprise resignation of head coach Bobby Petrino prior to the end of the '07 campaign.

Many expected Dimitroff, a product of the Patriots' scouting department, to spend the early picks of his first draft in Atlanta on linemen — a staple of the Bill Belichick-Scott Pioli regime in New England. But, after the he used his top pick on QB Matt Ryan, Dimitroff's strategy for building the D-line was called into question.

The selection of Lofton in the second round, however, helped to stabilize the run defense. His 94 tackles were the second-most made by a first-year player. He had a knack for plugging running lanes and making second and third downs less manageable for opposing offenses.

Entering '09, Lofton is drawing attention as the only returning starter in the linebacking corps. With Lofton still learning the system, especially in pass coverage, there is cause for concern on the defensive side of the ball.

But, the offseason signing of WLB Mike Peterson should alleviate some of the pressure Lofton may have otherwise felt with a green group of 'backers.

Peterson spent time under VanGorder and head coach Mike Smith, playing in the same system when the coaching duo was with the Jaguars.

Thanks to the selection of DT Peria Jerry with the 24th overall pick in the '09 draft, Lofton may have the freedom to make more plays this season. The 294-pound Jerry is expected to keep opposing linemen off Lofton.

"It's going good," Lofton said of the new-look LB corps. "You just have to take it day by day. It's about earning the respect of your teammates and playing the way you can. I would say, just in myself, I need to be more vocal and get into some guys here and there a little more, but I've got to be Curtis. I don't want to be anybody else."

But the understated Lofton is vocal about his disappointment regarding the way the Falcons' '08 season finished.

"I was disappointed because I realized that we had a great team last year and I don't think we reached our full potential, but it was a great building block," Lofton said.

Lofton knows that the spotlight is on the defense to improve. With a potent rushing attack led by Michael Turner, and a dynamic passing game featuring WR Roddy White and TE Tony Gonzalez, there's pressure on Lofton and company to stay off the field as much as possible. The more plays Lofton makes, the more likely that is to happen.

"My personal goal is that I'm capable of having 150-plus tackles," Lofton said. "Really, each day I want to continue to get better each game and help this team improve. As a defense we need to stop the run and can't give up explosive plays."

And he'll just let the naysayers do their thing.

"Everyone has their opinion, Lofton said." "I'll let my play speak for itself."

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