One thing Falcons fans have heard a lot about during the offseason and the early portion of the preseason is the increase in pressure brought from the defense. Coordinator Mike Nolan has devised a scheme that allows many players to get to the quarterback. Through two weeks of games this preseason, the Falcons have gotten sacks and pressure from linebackers and the secondary in addition to the defensive line.
One player that is being used to blitz the quarterback a little more than what has been seen in the past is cornerback Dunta Robinson. Playing from the slot, Robinson is able to play a more physical style of football, something he takes pride in. When playing a physical style, Robinson believes he's at his best.
"I love doing stuff like that," Robinson said of being blitzed more this season. "I love being able to run, hit and get to the quarterback. I just love being a versatile player. That's what they're using me in this defense. It's going to help me tremendously and it's going to help this defense tremendously."
Against the Bengals last week, Robinson flashed the ability to be more versatile in this year's defense. In just under two quarters of work, Robinson was tied for the team lead with three tackles and added a tackle for a loss and a pass defensed. It's that type of all-around game that made him a rising star in Houston before injuries slowed him earlier in his career.
Playing from the slot with the Texans, Robinson had three forced fumbles and three sacks in addition to his six interceptions during his rookie season in 2004. Getting back to that style of play is exciting to Robinson and he's looking forward to being used in a variety of ways this season instead of just covering wide receivers on the outside.
"When you're playing in the slot, it's a safety/linebacker/corner position and I think it goes well with my skill set and the things I'm good at," Robinson said. "I get to blitz the quarterback and do a lot of different things. I get to play football, not just a position. I get to be a football player and I think that's what I do best."
