http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/players/akeem_dent/143100 Recent articles about Akeem Dent en-us FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. Up and down the Falcons offense and defense, the units are stacked with players who possess experience as NFL starters. Only one spot on the field does not: middle linebacker, where Akeem Dent, in his second season out of the University of Georgia, will make his NFL debut as a starter on Sunday in Kansas City. I have butterflies each game, said Dent, an indication that this game would not be terribly different. Its just anticipation and ready to get out there and play a football game. Its more excitement than anything. In an organization whose philosophy is built on drafting and developing players, the Falcons are not shy about starting rookies or players without previous NFL experience, which is relatively common in a league with so much player turnover from season to season. Last season, the Falcons started wide receiver Julio Jones and right guard Garrett Reynolds. On 2010s 13-3 team, William Moore, without any prior experience, started 15 of 16 games at safety and Sean Weatherspoo Wed, 05 Sep 2012 17:08:06 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/falcons_dent_to_make_debut_as_nfl_starter/11636557 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/falcons_dent_to_make_debut_as_nfl_starter/11636557 Falcons' Dent to make debut as NFL starter http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/falcons_dent_to_make_debut_as_nfl_starter/11636557 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Akeem Dent says he is ready to step in at middle linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons. Dent, a third-round draft pick from Georgia last year, overcame concussion symptoms to take 28 snaps in Thursday's preseason win at Miami. It was his longest work in a game situation as Atlanta's starting middle linebacker. ''It was exciting to be out there on the field with my teammates,'' Dent said Sunday. ''Nothing compares to it. You can practice, study in the classroom and watch film, but you've got to be live to really see how you're progressing and what you need to work on.'' Dent had some growing pains. On the Dolphins' first snap from scrimmage, Dent didn't get proper leverage on a block, and Reggie Bush broke off an 18-yard run before free safety Thomas DeCoud made the tackle. Later in the first quarter, Daniel Thomas ran 9 yards up the middle against Dent before strong safety William Moore made the stop. For the most part, though, Falcons coach Mike Smith Sun, 26 Aug 2012 21:01:19 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/dent_eager_to_fill_void_at_middle_linebacker/11554756 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/dent_eager_to_fill_void_at_middle_linebacker/11554756 Dent eager to fill void at middle linebacker http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/dent_eager_to_fill_void_at_middle_linebacker/11554756 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Falcons middle linebacker Akeem Dent returned to practice and participated in the non-contact drills on Saturday. “It’s feels great to get back out there and get my reps back up,” Dent said. The team is hopeful that’s the last hurdle for him to clear in the league’s concussion protocol program. He was injured in the first exhibition game against the Baltimore Ravens. Dent did not play in the second exhibition game against the Cincinnati Benglas this past Thursday. “I stayed in the books while I was out,” Dent said. “I was still in meetings. I was still able to go over and watch film and tape and stuff like that. We put that stuff in OTAs and minicamp, so it was just a refresher.” Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution Attached Thumbnails   Sat, 18 Aug 2012 19:54:22 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/falcons_lb_akeem_dent_returns_to_non_contact_drills/11491360 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/falcons_lb_akeem_dent_returns_to_non_contact_drills/11491360 Falcons LB Akeem Dent Returns To Non-Contact Drills http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/falcons_lb_akeem_dent_returns_to_non_contact_drills/11491360 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Atlanta Falcons linebacker Akeem Dent has returned to practice after sustaining a concussion, and the team hopes he'll be fully cleared by Sunday. Dent was injured in the Falcons' first preseason game against Baltimore. He missed the next contest and had not practiced until Saturday, when he took part in the non-contact drills. Coach Mike Smith says Dent must clear one more step in the concussion protocol before he is allowed to take part fully in practice. Dent is expected to take over as the starting middle linebacker in place of Curtis Lofton, who signed with New Orleans. Also Saturday, cornerback Darrin Walls couldn't finish practice with what appeared to be a minor quadriceps injury. Receiver Kevin Cone took a big hit late in the day but seemed OK. Sat, 18 Aug 2012 19:11:32 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/falcons_hope_to_get_lb_dent_back_sunday/11491150 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/falcons_hope_to_get_lb_dent_back_sunday/11491150 Falcons hope to get LB Dent back Sunday http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/falcons_hope_to_get_lb_dent_back_sunday/11491150 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. Falcons head coach Mike Smith on Monday ruled out middle linebacker Akeem Dent (concussion), the likely starter at that spot, for Thursday's second preseason game against Cincinnati at the Georgia Dome. That means that Dent, a second-year player out of the University of Georgia who played almost exclusively on special teams last season, will miss valuable time, as he continues to learn new defensive coordinator Mike Nolan's system. Smith said that Dent is "feeling better" and that he has participated in meetings. However, he said Dent remains in the first phase of the NFL's concussion protocol after bumping helmets with a Baltimore player while covering a punt in last Thursday's preseason opener. Players must pass through all three phases of the protocol successfully before they can be cleared to play again. Nonetheless, Smith said the coaching staff is not worried. "We're not too concerned about where he is," Smith said. "We've got tim Mon, 13 Aug 2012 20:09:30 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/dent_out_peterson_schiller_gear_up_for_falcons/11448934 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/dent_out_peterson_schiller_gear_up_for_falcons/11448934 Dent out; Peterson, Schiller gear up for Falcons http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/dent_out_peterson_schiller_gear_up_for_falcons/11448934 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. Falcons head coach Mike Smith on Monday ruled out middle linebacker Akeem Dent (concussion), the likely starter at that spot, for Thursday's second preseason game against Cincinnati at the Georgia Dome. That means that Dent, a second-year player out of the University of Georgia who played almost exclusively on special teams last season, will miss valuable time, as he continues to learn new defensive coordinator Mike Nolan's system. Smith said that Dent is "feeling better" and that he has participated in meetings. However, he said Dent remains in the first phase of the NFL's concussion protocol after bumping helmets with a Baltimore player while covering a punt in last Thursday's preseason opener. Players must pass through all three phases of the protocol successfully before they can be cleared to play again. Nonetheless, Smith said the coaching staff is not worried. "We're not too concerned about where he is," Smith said. "We've got tim Mon, 13 Aug 2012 20:09:30 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/dent_out_peterson_schiller_gear_up_for_falcons/11448910 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/dent_out_peterson_schiller_gear_up_for_falcons/11448910 Dent out; Peterson, Schiller gear up for Falcons http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/dent_out_peterson_schiller_gear_up_for_falcons/11448910 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Atlanta Falcons coach Mike Smith says starting middle linebacker Akeem Dent sustained a concussion in the 31-17 loss to Baltimore and will miss next week's exhibition against Cincinnati. Mike Peterson, a 14th-year veteran, took over for Dent in practice on Saturday. Rookie fullback Bradie Ewing, a fifth-round pick from Wisconsin, is out for the season after injuring his right knee in Thursday's game. The Falcons aren't sure when starting defensive tackle Corey Peters (left foot) and reserve defensive tackle Vance Walker (undisclosed injury) will return. Kerry Meier, the team's No. 4 receiver, missed practice with an unspecified leg injury. No. 3 receiver Harry Douglas returned to practice after being held out of the Baltimore game with a rib injury. Sat, 11 Aug 2012 20:22:22 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/falcons_lb_dent_sidelined_with_concussion/11434597 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/falcons_lb_dent_sidelined_with_concussion/11434597 Falcons LB Dent sidelined with concussion http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/falcons_lb_dent_sidelined_with_concussion/11434597 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Rookie fullback Bradie Ewing has left the Falcons' preseason game against the Ravens with a right knee injury, and linebacker Akeem Dent is out with a head injury. Ewing did not start at fullback in Thursday night's game. He was hurt when blocking on Dominique Franks' 45-yard punt return midway through the first quarter. Ewing, a fifth-round pick from Wisconsin, was helped off the field before being placed on a cart and driven to the locker room. Dent, who started at middle linebacker, walked off the field after he was hurt when blocking for a Falcons punt. The Falcons announced he will not return to the game. Baltimore backup defensive tackle Ryan McBean was carted off the field late in the first half with a left leg injury. Thu, 09 Aug 2012 22:33:40 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/falcons_lose_ewing_dent_with_injuries/11419945 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/falcons_lose_ewing_dent_with_injuries/11419945 Falcons lose Ewing, Dent with injuries http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/falcons_lose_ewing_dent_with_injuries/11419945 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png The Atlanta Falcons have been planning to go with second-year pro Akeem Dent as their starting middle linebacker. At least in the short term, they might want to come up with a Plan B. Dent was injured in Thursday night’s preseason game with Baltimore. Dent suffered an apparent head injury while making a tackle with 9:38 left in the second quarter as he appeared to have a helmet-to-helmet collision with the ball carrier. There was no immediate word as to the extent of the injury, but members of the Atlanta television crew said they were told Dent was knocked unconscious. Source: ESPN.com Attached Thumbnails   Thu, 09 Aug 2012 21:35:29 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/falcons_lb_akeem_dent_knocked_unconscious_vs_ravens/11419618 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/falcons_lb_akeem_dent_knocked_unconscious_vs_ravens/11419618 Falcons LB Akeem Dent Knocked Unconscious Vs Ravens http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/falcons_lb_akeem_dent_knocked_unconscious_vs_ravens/11419618 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png With Lofa Tatupu gone and Curtis Lofton signing on with a “proven winner” in the New Orleans Saints (talk about taking a jab at your former team)—ouch, Akeem Dent is the latest Falcon being asked to step into a starting role to prove his worth. …the Falcons viewed Akeem Dent as a legitimate contender to win the starting job at middle linebacker. The Falcons believed he could be an effective two-down player in 2012, sources said, but they wanted some veteran insurance. Dent would not be handed the opportunity with ex-Seahawk Lofa Tatupu also in the mix to start in the middle…. …The Falcons could eventually look outside for help from a free agent if Dent struggles during the preseason, but we expect Dent to get every opportunity to prove he’s the answer in the weeks to come. Dent, a third-round pick in 2011, became a core special-teams player as a rookie and the Falcons saw in him the potential to be an adequate and relatively cheap answer at middle linebacker after Curtis Lofton depa... Fri, 27 Jul 2012 11:38:04 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/nfl_akeem_dent_prepares_to_take_on_a_starting_role_with_the_atlanta_falcons/11312383 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/nfl_akeem_dent_prepares_to_take_on_a_starting_role_with_the_atlanta_falcons/11312383 NFL: Akeem Dent Prepares to Take on a Starting Role with the Atlanta Falcons http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/nfl_akeem_dent_prepares_to_take_on_a_starting_role_with_the_atlanta_falcons/11312383 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png FLOWERY BRANCH-The Atlanta Falcons linebacking corps just got thinner. They attempted to sign a potential replacement for the departed Curtis Lofton when they brought in former Seahawks great Lofa Tatupu who sat out 2011 after injuries curtailed his 2010 season. The bug continues to bite as Tatupu injured himself in a weight lifting session on Thursday according to a team statement. Please click the link below to read this story. Sat, 21 Jul 2012 17:46:53 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/lofa_tatupus_injury_could_make_way_for_another_falcons_veteran_addition_such_as_ej_henderson/11268220 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/lofa_tatupus_injury_could_make_way_for_another_falcons_veteran_addition_such_as_ej_henderson/11268220 Lofa Tatupu’s injury could make way for another Falcons’ veteran addition such as E.J. Henderson. http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/lofa_tatupus_injury_could_make_way_for_another_falcons_veteran_addition_such_as_ej_henderson/11268220 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Atlanta Falcons linebacker Akeem Dent has not benefited much from continuity over the last four years of his career. Starting with the much maligned defensive coordinator Willie Martinez at the University of Georgia, Dent is on his fourth defensive coordinator in four years and along with musical coaches he's also had to play musical schemes. Dent transitioned from Martinez's 4-3 to Todd Grantham's 3-4 at Georgia then back to a 4-3 as a rookie in Atlanta with Brian VanGorder (who, like Martinez, was maligned by his share of Falcons fans for his perceived passivity). Now, with Mike Nolan in charge of the defense, there's a chance the Falcons will be more multiple and that Dent, as he battles it out for a starting linebacker job, might have to learn some elements of a 3-4. "It's all part of the game," said Dent, an Atlanta native, of the coaching changes. "It's all the business. It's being able to adjust to different schemes and different pack Thu, 14 Jun 2012 17:20:21 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/akeem_dent_shows_improvement_with_falcons/11015213 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/akeem_dent_shows_improvement_with_falcons/11015213 Akeem Dent shows improvement with Falcons http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/akeem_dent_shows_improvement_with_falcons/11015213 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png According to ProFootballWeekly.com, both Lofa Tatupu and Akeem Dent will battle to become the Atlanta Falcons starting middle linebacker since Curtis Lofton left in free agency. There’s some belief that if Tatupu stays healthy the job will be his to lose, but the Falcons coaching staff was impressed with the way Dent played last season, so he’ll get a shot to prove himself. Tue, 01 May 2012 00:03:38 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/akeem_dent_lofa_tatupu_will_compete_to_start_at_middle_linebacker/10690436 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/akeem_dent_lofa_tatupu_will_compete_to_start_at_middle_linebacker/10690436 Akeem Dent, Lofa Tatupu will compete to start at middle linebacker http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/akeem_dent_lofa_tatupu_will_compete_to_start_at_middle_linebacker/10690436 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/f/c/fcf879ea91f126a294931088a1021093483961e7/mini/Seattle_Seahawks_v_1dd3.jpg