Why The Atlanta Falcons Need LB Mike Peterson

by Dave the Falconer on Sep 18, 2009 8:01 AM EDT in Falcons News Comment 10 comments

It's only taken one week for me to do an abrupt 180 degree turn on Mike Peterson.

Yes, I'm the guy who greeted news of his signing back in March with a resounding "meh" worthy of reader Hardcore Falcon. I'm the guy who said he'd be a useful stopgap. I'm the guy who sounded a little bit skeptical of his ability to return to the field at full strength. I also don't believe in the Great Pumpkin, Sasquatch or the little men living in my radio. So sue me.

I don't think it's an exaggeration now, however, to say that Peterson performing well is absolutely critical. He's grabbed a leadership role on this team and seems hellbent on proving that talk of down years and problematic behavior either is in the past or never existed in the first place. After his Falcoholic MVP-winning game against the Dolphins, it's clear that he's still got at least half a tank sitting around and he's ready to use it. Leadership can be an overblown quality, but Peterson's taken to the role so easily and has such a good rapport with Mike Smith that it would be unfair to look past it in this case.

It's critical that a young defense has a leader, and it's more important that a linebacking corps that was pretty average last year is getting a huge boost from the second-year improvement of Curtis Lofton, a better-than-expected showing from Stephen Nicholas and Peterson's excellent play. Against the Panthers, who as previously noted have two strong running backs and a passing attack that might get going if Jake Delhomme can muster up the effort, we're going to require a strong performance from the linebackers to hold up those plays that go beyond the front four. I suspect there will be quite a few of those.

So don't count me among the surprised if Peterson has another giant game against the Panthers. Would it surprise you?

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I won't be surprised

We have to admit we have no clue what goes on behind closed doors, but for a guy who was known for not getting along with his coach, it has to be surprising that Smitty would want him. I am assuming he is a good guy and is going to show he can make a difference.

by Chaos7 on Sep 18, 2009 8:51 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Wouldn't surprise me.

But I just think as the season wears down so will he. I don’t think you’ll see him making interceptions and forced fumbles like he did in week 1. It’s a long season so one game is stil only a sixteenth of the season down.

New Orleans Hornets: The most inconsistent team in the NBA.

by Grayson on Sep 18, 2009 8:54 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

That's a fair point

He’s getting older, and big plays won’t come every week. I think he’ll still be a valuable contributor late in the season myself, but I’m basing that more on voodoo than anything else.

by Dave the Falconer on Sep 18, 2009 11:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Surprised?

Maybe. I was certainly surprised at how fast he was flying around the field against the Dolphins. I was right there with you (on the “meh”) when I heard about the signing. But if he can keep this up all year, it will definitely be another move in the W column for Dimitroff (& Coach Smith).

By the way, I really liked this story, about how he was being like a big brother to Lofton and Nicholas.

by orang3b on Sep 18, 2009 8:55 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I read that story too

Liked it a lot as well.

This linebacking corps is definitely faster, but it also plays with a lot more attitude. These guys absolutely bring it, from Lofton to Peterson to Nicholas. But it’s not like they play undisciplined either. They do a great job playing their responsibilities and then flying to the football when the play comes off. I fully expect this to continue.

It certainly helps our defense that our special teams, outside of Elam’s performance, were absolutely phenomenal. I would make the statement that we have the best kickoff and punt coverage of any team in the NFC South. That takes A LOT of pressure off the defense, and it frankly is overlooked.

I know everyone’s waiting for the other shoe to drop, and that’s certainly fair since it’s only been one game, but I am personally of the belief that it’ll be a long wait. These ain’t your daddy’s Falcons.

by LetsGoFalcons on Sep 18, 2009 9:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

to be honest

I was more worried about Nicholas coming into the season than I was Peterson. I saw Peterson at multiple practices and he was flying around in practice like the rookies, like he had something to prove and he had the talent and speed to proved.

Sure it is a long season and we’ll have to see how well he lasts, but I think he’ll be just fine and TD will be in the running for Exec. of the year once again.

know what you believe in and why you believe in it

by MentallyMIA on Sep 18, 2009 10:07 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Believer

I’ve always believed that Peterson was gonna be a huge part of the D. He’s a smaller, faster, just as intense Brooking when Brooking was in his prime. In my opinion

by ATL Forever on Sep 18, 2009 10:17 AM EDT via mobile reply actions 0 recs

Peterson

You know it is football season when
… linebackers put a little extra jaw into their quotes.

(The Falcons led only 7-0 late in the first half when Peterson’s explosive tackle knocked the ball out of Fasano’s hands at Atlanta’s 16-yard line. Atlanta cornerback Brian Williams returned the fumble recovery 53 yards to set up a field goal for a 10-0 halftime lead. The Falcons won 19-7.)

“There’s nothing like it,” said Peterson when asked to describe the hit. “I think when I finish playing, I’m going to hate that I’m not going to be able to go to that little area, that little happy place that not too many people go. It’s a feeling you kind of cherish and you want to hold onto the rest of the night. It makes you want to get a couple more.”

http://www.cbsatlanta.com/sports/20923821/detail.html

by Singletary on Sep 18, 2009 4:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

One more Peterson note

Peterson declined Smitty’s offer to join the Over-30 Club and skip a few practices. I’m sure he wanted to make sure to learn and earn the job. He knows Smitty is the one coach who knows his work ethic and probably believes in him after the very public falling out with Del Rio. (As an aside, former Jag Williams looks like a smart player as well.)

by Singletary on Sep 18, 2009 4:20 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs