Akeem Dent has emerged as the favorite to start at middle linebacker for the Falcons following Lofa Tatupu's pectoral injury. ESPN NFC South blogger Pat Yasinskas suggests that the Falcons' coaching staff had wanted Dent to claim the job all along. He's now going to get it, "ready or not." Dent is expected to be a two-down player, coming off the field in nickel packages. He may still push for 90 tackles, but will lose big-play potential.