Blogging Dirty
FanSided

Atlanta Falcons: Who will start at weak side linebacker?

By Colin Hubbard

Nov 28, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines safety Jabrill Peppers (5) runs the ball Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Darron Lee (43) moves to defend in the first quarter at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines safety Jabrill Peppers (5) runs the ball Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Darron Lee (43) moves to defend in the first quarter at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 5
Next
Jan 16, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Green Bay Packers safety Micah Hyde (33) avoids the diving tackle attempt of Arizona Cardinals linebacker Sean Weatherspoon (55) during the NFC Divisional round playoff game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Green Bay Packers safety Micah Hyde (33) avoids the diving tackle attempt of Arizona Cardinals linebacker Sean Weatherspoon (55) during the NFC Divisional round playoff game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Sean Weatherspoon

If the 2016 regular season were to start tomorrow, Sean Weatherspoon would be the starting weak side linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons. That’s a scary thought to have and not in a good way. The Falcons drafted Weatherspoon in the first round of the 2010 NFL draft and he put together three solid seasons before injuries took over. After spending a one-year hiatus with the Arizona Cardinals, Weatherspoon is back on the Falcons’ roster and is No.1 on the depth chart.

I’m sorry, folks but if Weatherspoon is the opening day starter, the Falcons are in a lot of trouble. The main reasoning behind the Falcons cutting Justin Durant who was the Falcons’ 2015 starting weak side linebacker was for one reason. His injury concerns. While Durant didn’t miss a ton of time in 2015 and put together a solid season, the Falcons still cut him. So to think that the Falcons would cut one injury prone veteran and replace him with another injury prone veteran just doesn’t make any sense whatsoever.

The only way Weatherspoon is the opening day starter is if the Falcons completely whiff on their 2016 draft class. There are several weak side linebackers that they could target and almost all of the top-tier guys would likely be the starter with Weatherspoon as a situational guy.

We all love having Weatherspoon back on the roster. He’s been a fan-favorite since day one and having a guy with his energy and leadership is great. But he just hasn’t proved that he can withstand a 16-game season since 2012 and that was nearly four years ago.

Next: Darron Lee

Home/Atlanta Falcons News