Falcons LB Sean Weatherspoon calls Mike Nolan 'a Christmas present'

In an interview with 790 the Zone in Atlanta, linebacker Sean Weatherspoon of the Atlanta Falcons spoke high praise of defensive coordinator Mike Nolan. Weatherspoon called Nolan 'a Christmas present' and talked about the level of respect that he has for the defense of the Falcons:

He came in and he assessed what we had on defense and what he wanted to do was put us in a situation where we could be most comfortable and make the most plays. He could have came in and switched it all to a 3-4. He could have did that, but I guess he saw something else in us. He believes in us.

He also said that his ankle injury that he suffered against the Philadelphia Eagles is improving. As for this week's opponents, the Dallas Cowboys, Weatherspoon expressed concern at having to face Cowboys tight end Jason Witten after his game against the New York Giants where he caught 18 passes:

We know we have our hands full. He's a great player that causes a challenge. I'm sure Mike Nolan will have something good for him to put us in good situations where we can be successful against him. But ultimately it's all about going out there and matching his physicality.

So far this season, Weatherspoon has recorded 52 total tackles, 40 solo, three sacks, two passes defended and a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. The Falcons will play the Cowboys on Sunday Night Football this week at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:20 p.m. ET and the game will be broadcast nationally on NBC.