Sean Weatherspoon is becoming the focal point of the Atlanta Falcons' defense in his third NFL season.

The Falcons let middle linebacker Curtis Lofton leave in the offseason via free agency because new defensive coordinator Mike Nolan views the position as a two-down position. Nolan wants Weatherspoon and fellow OLB Stephen Nicholas to remain on the field during passing downs.

Weatherspoon will also wear the radio communication helmet and call the defense.

“I feel like I just have to do more,’’ Weatherspoon said. “I feel like I was a leader last year. But this year, things got a little bigger. With the new defensive schemes we’re doing a lot more things and we’re more multiple, so having that role is challenging. You have to master it. If everybody knows that you’re confident in the system and that you can get everybody lined up, then everybody’s confident and it makes our defense that much better.’’ 

“I’ve seen him step up with his play on the field and his leadership in the locker room,’’ Mike Smith said. “You earn the right to be considered a guy that’s a leader of a football team. I think Sean is going through that process right now and he’s earned that right. He’s played well for us in both our base and sub packages. He’s not going to be a guy that’s not going to come off the field.