Falcons make some moves after market settles
Mike Peterson and Brett Romberg were added to the Birds’ nest.
The Falcons have been slow and extremely deliberate in free agency. By contrast, last season they were swift and decisive in adding running back Michael Turner, safety Erik Coleman and the rest of the group.
Peterson has played weakside and middle linebacker. He comes “cross-trained.” He was also a former captain in Jacksonville before falling out with head coach Jack Del Rio last season.
But Falcons coach Mike Smith never had any issues with Peterson. Word coming out of Flowery Branch is that their bond is still pretty tight and that allowed the deal to get done so quickly.
Despite his falling out with Del Rio, Peterson still led the Jags in tackles with 84. He missed six starts after Del Rio misinterpreted Peterson’s attempt to fire up the team as a selfish celebratory move. It was also the last year of Peterson’s contract and well, he thought he should have been extended.
But all that is in his rear view mirror.
Peterson steps into a unit that needs some direction and playmakers. Peterson and Stephen Nicholas can go at it for the weakside spot. If Peterson wins, then Nicholas could slide over to strongside and possibly play on passing downs if he can’t beat out Coy Wire. Wire started on running downs late last season for Boley.
Now, if something happens to Curtis Lofton, Peterson can also play the middle.
Romberg gets reunited with offensive line coach Paul Boudreau and gives the Falcons another solid interior lineman behind center Todd McClure and guards Justin Blalock and Harvey Dahl.
Romberg, 29, has started 18 games over the last three seasons. He started his career in Jacksonville after playing at Miami.
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308 comments Add your comment
doodoobailey
March 10th, 2009
4:41 pm
Amen!!!!
steve'o
March 10th, 2009
4:42 pm
clthurman. I don’t thinks it’s bad that you want us to keep on winning. I just don’t think we need to get so bent out of shape til we see the finished product. Heck man, you’ve already desided to cave in and give the Bucs a leg up on us! Remember alot of us fans threw the towel in this time last year. And by the way I had my far share of crow. Glad we’re both passionate Falcon fans looking forward to the season kickoff!
steve''''''''''o
March 10th, 2009
5:02 pm
Thanks doodoobailey for the spell check, spelling has always been a weakness for me. Is the coma better??
smauricio
March 10th, 2009
5:03 pm
Changing the subject:
What are you think if crowd of Falcons begin to do that in the home games?
I found wonderful way to support his team…
Sport Club Internacional, of Porto Alegre, Brazil
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlcQl1UeH2c&feature=related
SeminoleWarrior
March 10th, 2009
5:04 pm
Not sure how I feel about the Peterson deal. It provides depth and I guess he will be the “coach on the field” as Lofton and the LBs we draft next month come along. We WILL draft LBs for Wire and Peterson are not long-term solutions. As far as the draft goes, here are my picks: Rd #1: SS Patrick Chung; 2) OLB Marcus Freeman; 3)DT Roy Miller; 4) OLB Zach Follett. GO FALCONS!!!
steve''''''''''o
March 10th, 2009
5:11 pm
Didn’t realize I was picking on anyone doodoo. To me it was two adults having an adult conversation. I would highly advise not to critique my grammer you’ll be a busy man. LOL!
doodoobailey
March 10th, 2009
5:16 pm
No problem steve””””’o, gotta go. It is a lot of fun having people type doodoo on their keyboards though, hahahahahahahahahahah!!!!!!!! Bring back Audrey Bruce, YEAH COME-ON!!!!!
hawesg
March 10th, 2009
5:20 pm
Amazing that apparently you can’t criticize decisions on a BLOG. Wasn’t that the whole point of blogs in the first place?
A lot of people say we shouldn’t chase free agents like Leigh Bodden and build through the draft like the Patriots did.
Well, the Pats just signed Leigh Bodden.
The critics of the critics are right. We’re not NFL coaches, so I’m guessing that the Falcons like what they see from what appears to me to be a bunch of nickel backs parading as corners. You might need to draft both a CB and a SS with the first two picks, then hope Travis Beckham or – please, please – Shawn Nelson falls to the third round.
steve''''''''''o
March 10th, 2009
5:21 pm
Take care doodoobailey. God Bless.
cutter
March 10th, 2009
6:03 pm
SeminoleWarrior- If Roy Miller goes in the 3rd round I think the Miller family and myself would be shocked, right now he is projected somewhere in the 7th round. If we wait till 3rd for DT I would say Dorrell Scott maybe. 1st OLB (Matthews Jr. or Cushing), 2nd TE (Jared Cook or Shawn Nelson), 3rd DT (Dorrell Scott), 4th CB (Keenan Lewis or Kevin Barnes) 5th OLB (Jason Williams),5th OT (Alex Boone) 6th FS (Troy Nolan). This is assuming Decoud is at FS and Coleman moves to SS also I think they are leaning toward C. Jackson at corner and Hutchins at nickel. O.K. guys criticize away.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
March 10th, 2009
6:35 pm
MARKO: They can go value in the first round now. Best Safety (Delmas/Moore) LB or TE (Pettigrew).
NiteOwl
March 10th, 2009
6:36 pm
To all the knights who say…”nay” (and yes, I know it’s “ni” I’m just making a point):
(1) “Finally” did something in FA? Check.
(2) Veteran leader on defense? Check.
(3) Upgrade at weakside LB? Check.
(4) Another playmaker on defense? Check.
(5) Improved offensive line depth? Check.
Peterson fits (1) through (4), while Romberg fits (1) and (5).
We have a very good, very tenacious LB corps now. I’ll go to bat with Peterson, Lofton, and Wire/Nicholas any day, especially in our scheme. They will hit, they will cover, and they all have motors that won’t quit. And we’re probably not done upgrading the LBs yet.
As for the secondary, I’m fine with Houston and C.Jackson at corner. C.Jackson was drafted to be a quality CB for the long haul, and that’s what he’ll be.
C.Jackson already has a better resume now than Foxworth did before the beginning of the 2008 season. He held down the nickel spot very well as a rookie, and not many rookies have done that. He’s only going to get better, as will Houston.
At safety, we have two guys (Fudge/DeCoud) who already are better in coverage than Milloy would have been. We’ll probably get a stud in the draft who will make this moot.
As for DT, find another body or two in the draft. If Lewis is healthy, then you’re in pretty good shape for years. Babineaux, Lewis, high-round draft pick, Moorehead, Jefferson—that’s a pretty deep and serviceable DT rotation. That’s not counting J.Anderson sliding over. Yes, it would be nice to find the second coming of Ted Washington, but you can’t have everything.
The way I see it, the offseason is a success provided we get a stud at safety, DT, and tight end. I think TD can handle that with three out of the seven picks. If he hits on any of the other four picks, it’s a bonus as far as I’m concerned.
ShamusThacker
March 10th, 2009
7:16 pm
Good moves.
Foxworth woulda been nice to keep, but not at the salary he ended up getting.
I too am a 40+ year Falcons fan. I wouldn’t trade our owner, front office, or coaching staff, for ANY in the league. WE’VE GOT THE BEST OF THE BEST! I’ve NEVER BEFORE had that feeling. I’ll question NOTHING these guys do till they prove me wrong, and I DON’T see that hap’nin.
cutter
March 10th, 2009
7:23 pm
I believe we draft a OLB in 1st round to sit and learn behind Peterson there are no true 1st round safeties…middle second yes.
Terrance (the d-bag) Moore
March 10th, 2009
7:42 pm
I think picking up Peterson and getting rid of Brooking is a great move. It increases the number of black players in the starting lineup and decreases the number of white players. What is not to love? It is a win-win situation!
crabapplejoe
March 10th, 2009
7:48 pm
“(3) Upgrade at weakside LB? Check.
(4) Another playmaker on defense? Check.”
Did we pick up another LB in free agency besides Peterson today? Peterson: zero ints.; zero FF; zero PDefs….playmaker indeed. Screaming at his coaches…priceless.
falcon21
March 10th, 2009
8:06 pm
Crabapplejoe, wow man you are unreal. Give it a rest.
VICK SUPPORTER 2
March 10th, 2009
8:12 pm
PRO FRANCHISE RANKINGS
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/nfcsouth/0-9-60/Carolina-wins-NFC-South—-again.html
ACCORDING TO THE ABOVE ARTICLE CONDUCTED RANKING ALL PRO SPORTS FRANCHISES, THE FALCONS RANKED 67 OUT OF 122 AND ONLY 22ND OUT OF 32 NFL TEAMS, FALLING WAY BEHIND CAROLINA AND EVEN TAMPA & NEW ORLEANS WHO BOTH MISSED THE PLAYOFFS.
THE RANKINGS WERE BASED MAJORITY ON STADIUM SELL OUTS, WHERE THE FALCONS FINISHED A DISMAL 89 PERCENT IN ATTENDANCE – NO MV7…COINCIDENCE?
falcon21
March 10th, 2009
8:25 pm
Hello VS2, whats going on man? Good info but coincidence, no. Falcons are moving in the right direction, but as I said, good info.
NiteOwl
March 10th, 2009
8:28 pm
No, Crabapple Joe, I was referring to Peterson. Mike Smith and TD consider him a leader, a playmaker, and an upgrade at LB, and that’s good enough for me.
I have another statistic for you: number of minutes you have been an NFL GM or coach: zero.
Watching you eat crow this year: priceless.
VICK SUPPORTER 2
March 10th, 2009
8:28 pm
FALCONS 2006 ATTENDANCE
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/attendance?year=2006
NOTE: THIS WAS MV7 LAST SEASON AND THE ATTENDANCE WAS 101 PERCENT AND 2008 IT DROPPED 12 PERCENT TO 89 PERCENT. THIS IS REALLY BIZARRE CONSIDERING THE 2006 TEAM FINISHED BELOW .500 AND THE 2008 TEAM FINISHED 11-5. ANOTHER COINCIDENT?
Terrance (the d-bag) Moore
March 10th, 2009
8:53 pm
Vick Supporter 2: Go watch the sociopath in the UFL if you like him so much. I wish you people would give up the whining. Vick is gone, is not a Falcon, will never be a Falcon. Matt Ryan is the new QB and the Falcons are a better team for it. The only thing missing are the ghetto thugs who filled the seats while vick was in a Falcons uniform. Now that he is off the team they can use their ticket money to pay up on their child support.
By the way, I think the Caps Lock key on your keyboard is broken.
D3
March 10th, 2009
9:11 pm
Reno911, good analysis on how the Peterson signing affects the draft & NiteOwl good points about what exactly we do have and how they can contribute. For me, this definitely puts me at ease somewhat because I was worried about all the starters we lost: SS,CB,2 OLB, DT, & TE. I think its safe to say that, if TD drafts good which we assume he will, you can get solid starters through round 3, but moving into round 4 is a little of a crapshoot.
Knowing Peterson has cross-trained and can play an outside spot has calmed my nerves about our defense a great deal. Having Wire, Nicholas, and now Peterson competing for 2 spots @ OLB can produce some good quality. If nothing else he can bridge the gap adequately enough and more athletic, younger than Brooking, giving us another year of drafting. Simply can’t fill all those holes through the draft.
I also believe our secondary is not in as bad of shape as many think, assuming Von Hutchins can return to form. The key then comes to David Irons and if he can finally elevate to being steady enough to play well in dime coverage.
I’d be shocked if we sign LJ Smith now. We filled one of our key spots and now can focus on SS, TE, DT, & CB. Assuming we don’t sign LJ Smith the key comes down to which is more important/which is deepest in the draft. SS & TE are a given to be drafted in the top 3. The question basically goes to who can step up the quickest or has the most potential: Trey Lewis @ DT or Chevis Jackson @ CB?
YuleeFalcon
March 10th, 2009
9:14 pm
Adding Mike P. is a step up, a moderate step, but still in the right direction. Living in the Jax suburbs for the last few years and watching Mike P. play, I feel he will bring more to the game now that he is working for Smitty. Some here in Jax feel he was a casualty of the personnel meltdown that was the Jag’s last year (or 2) and that last year was an exception for him. I am more concerned with his durability. He may not have lost as much as Brooking has, but he won’t be able to stay on the field as long as Keith could.
I do feel letting Foxworth go will come back to haunt us. Some times you have to pay good money for good talent.
danga
March 10th, 2009
9:29 pm
im with doodoobailey sign roy williams and we would have plenty options with those 1st three picks
Big Ray
March 10th, 2009
9:42 pm
I guess Crabapple Joe doesn’t like any veteran LBs not named “Brooking.”
Just pickin’ at ya, Joe…
Seriously, I like the addition of Mike Peterson, though I wouldn’t hop up and down in excitment. Why? Because the guy knows, and respects Mike Smith. And Smith thinks enough of him to sign off on bringing him here. On top of that, Peterson can play inside and outside. There’s nothing wrong with versatility. That, and he’s already shown he can lead on defense. Okay, so he had a falling out with Jack Del Rio. These things happen. Del Rio doesn’t coach the Falcons. Problem solved…
clthurman,
I admire your passion for the Falcons. I too have had concerns about the defense. We’re still rebuilding, though man. And sometimes, that means growing pains, regardless of what last year’s record says. However, I know Dimitroff, Smith, and Van Gorder would not be happy with a less effective defense. Free agency is not yet over. We’ll probably add another player or two here and there. On the flip side, I wasn’t thrilled to see Foxworth go either. I felt like he was a good player, though not stellar. He DID help out a lot. Letting him go may have been a mistake, or it may not. Dimitroff isn’t perfect, so he will make mistakes. But I don’t think he’ll make many.
I think things will shake out okay, but I am rather anxious to see what we do in the draft, and what later free agency moves come to pass.
crabapplejoe
March 10th, 2009
9:49 pm
falcon21 wrote: “Crabapplejoe, wow man you are unreal. Give it a rest.”
I notice you did not address the “playmaking” stats our new LB put up last year….you just attack the messenger not the message…..I didn’t make up the stats, they’re from NFL.com. I have heard over and over how KB56 did not make any ‘impact plays’…yet, when I point out the fact that our new mediocre LB that everyone is drooling over had no impact plays, nobody wants to talk about it…curious isn’t it?
crabapplejoe
March 10th, 2009
9:52 pm
NiteOwl wrote: “Watching you eat crow this year: priceless.”
Oh, we’ll be talkin’ dude…just promise me you will be posting under the same moniker. I notice you didn’t address the “playmaking” stats of our new stud LB…why not?
D3
March 10th, 2009
9:57 pm
Maybe its me, but is DeCoud seriously being considered to be a starter in the secondary? I guess I just missed him playing, but if he’s ready to step in, then all the better.
Cutter, I like your potential draftees, but do we still look at OLB first since we just added Peterson? It would make sense only if they don’t think Wire or Nicholas is good enough mid-range term. Or you might be right simply because the top-end is so deep at OLB.
I do know I can’t wait until the draft. I could see us drafting OLB, DT, or TE before SS in the first round. SS just doesn’t seem that deep or talented in the top-end. I mean, is there really that much difference between Delmas and Rashad Johnson? I’m scared to death of William Moore. How do you totally drop off the cliff and disappear from one season to the next?
falcon21
March 10th, 2009
9:58 pm
I have no need to comment anymore tonite. Big Ray you are the man. If Peterson would not have been a good pickup, Mike and TD would not have brought him in. He is a good player and will help the younger talent. Look at what we had last season. Nuff said.
NiteOwl
March 10th, 2009
9:58 pm
D3: now that was some thorough analysis. Good question on Lewis vs. C.Jackson.
I think Chevis is quick, fast, tenacious, and also a fast learner. I don’t think it’s a question of “if” but “when.”
Trey was really starting to break out when he got hurt. If he’s healthy, he’s the real deal right now.
I truly believe our coaches don’t get enough credit for being able to take a guy and put him through OTAs, training camp, and the preseason, give him a role in the scheme, and really get the most out of him in that role.
They did that with so many guys last year, starting at the top with Matt Ryan and continuing on through the whole offensive line, defensive line (especially Babineaux), Lofton, and even our special teams. Another offseason of work means that much more progress.
Yulee, thanks for the insight on Peterson. TD looks at the whole body of work; we didn’t base Sam Baker on his senior season alone, which was a good move.
Enough of my yakkin. Let’s boogie! (Sorry, Spinal Tap reference.)
Terence (the d-bag) Moore
March 10th, 2009
10:07 pm
Danga, you and doodoobailey are smoking and licking crack! Roy Williams hasn’t been worth a d@mn since they outlawed his b!tch@ss tackling style.
Phil of Playaz Ball
March 10th, 2009
10:12 pm
Can someone explain the hoopla of signing a 10-yr linebacker (Peterson) when we already had a 10 yr linebacker (Brooking)? Why did we get rid of Brooking? And don’t tell me Peterson is an upgrade – his stats don’t even come close to Brooking’s, and he was benched on a crappy Jacksonville team.
falcon21
March 10th, 2009
10:20 pm
Crabapplejoe, don’t attack the player, stats does not mean anything. Let us see what he can do. Your hero is not here anymore, so let it go. Be a fan and hope we can depend on TD and Mike Smith too make the right decisions. It’s not a war it’s football. GO FALCONS.
danga
March 10th, 2009
10:25 pm
different people perform better under different schemes. All im saying is look at his stats in a 3-4 compared to a 4-3. Multiple pro bowls many interceptions and the hardest hitter atl would have had since jessie tuggle plus the guy is only 28 years old.With our current roster who in the hell is going to scare any receiver from coming accross the middle or better yet who do we have that the opposing qb is going to fear? My money is on roy
D3
March 10th, 2009
10:27 pm
BTW, Peterson still led the team in tackles after being benched for a game and not even starting many others. TD knows what he’s doing. What were Foxworth stats before we got him? The Broncos obviously thought so little of him to trade for Dre Bly. Never know.
Nice analysis Owl. Good reference. D@mn is it the weekend yet?
NiteOwl
March 10th, 2009
10:37 pm
Oh, one more thing and then I gotta fly the coop:
Crabapple Joe, I am already fired up for the season. I’ve been a fan since I was a wee lad and I think we finally have the right stuff to make a consistent winner—finally!
I look forward to staying in touch with you throughout the season to see how Peterson pans out.
I hope you are wrong, but I’ll give you your due if you’re right.
If he’s a bust, I’ll wear a Cowboys Keith Brooking jersey every Sunday during next offseason and change my screen name to NiteChicken (terms subject to change without notice).
If Peterson does the job, you have to wear a Peterson jersey and change your screen name to Silk Spectre.
Seriously though, I loved Brooking. He is a class act and gave his all for this franchise. That said, I do agree with the decision to let him go.
As for your stats, I’ll say this: when they help me, I’ll quote them all day. When they don’t, I’ll say there’s lies, damned lies, and statistics.
All in good fun, my man. Respect to you and all Falcon fans. Remember, the true enemy is the Buccaneers. We owe them a lot of payback.
crabapplejoe
March 10th, 2009
10:59 pm
@NiteOwl: Good post…see you in the Fall…if not before. By he way, KB56 is not my “hero” as others have posted. It is just comical to me how folks can embrace this guy “petersons”, having trashed Brooking when the two of them are really, essentially, the same in terms of productivity in their waning years….that’s all. And ‘Brookings’ doesn’t have the malcontent baggage. I just don’t see this as an upgrade in any sense.
NiteOwl
March 10th, 2009
11:30 pm
I hear ya Joe. Guess we’ll find out. I think Peterson is perceived as a harder hitter, better cover guy, etc. Just in the mix more and a little more disruptive.
Over his career he has had impact stats, and they’re looking at last year as an aberration.
Also, he is one of Coach Smith’s guys, so I don’t see attitude being a problem. I think the dustup with Del Rio was frustration (and overreaction) at a crappy season by both coach and player. Don’t see it happening with Smitty.
Heard Peterson on the radio this afternoon and he sounded ready to get after it and prove himself.
Have a good one. I need the draft to start, like, tomorrow. Can’t wait. (Not to mention the season.)
D. Orlando Ledbetter
March 10th, 2009
11:34 pm
NITEOWL: You know you’re real BIG in my world. Lunch soon. Our mutual friend has joined a Church and is trying to re-direct some things.
Also, glad to see we’ve got some civility on the blog. That goes for VS2, also!!!
Let’s keep it going.
hawesg
March 10th, 2009
11:50 pm
So? First pick in the draft? If they are content to go into the season with Houston/Hutchins/Chevis/Irons at CB, then maybe they pass up some of the CB talent? Safety looks like the biggest hole, but there’s not a clear first round talent there. If they believe in Trey Lewis do they pass on Peria Jerry? Another LB? Or maybe they go with Pettigrew (I can’t believe they would do that when Cook or Nelson could be around by the second pick)
Does the Peterson signing mean they probably won’t pick a guy like Matthews, Cushing or Sintim with the first pick?
Ced Black
March 11th, 2009
12:16 am
We hated to see you leave cheese country and for that who cares what happens in the birds nest, just don’t bring those damn birds back to wisconsin.Go Packers
NiteOwl
March 11th, 2009
1:06 am
You got it, D. Thanks and glad to hear the good news.
Nice to know I’m not the only one who never sleeps.
Hawesg, for whatever my two cents are worth (I know you were probably addressing DOL), I’m really curious about the first pick.
We know TD says need and scheme instead of best player available. Other than that, I don’t have a clue. If you’re thinking 5 and 10 years down the road, we still need a lot.
I think the only positions we don’t look to upgrade with a first-round talent are QB, RB, LT, and MLB. To me, every other position is fair game because we are looking so long term.
I believe in our roster “as is” to handle 2009, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see our first-rounder sit a year or two, then start for ten years.
We might get a TE or safety that starts right away, but other than that, I think he sits. Maybe I’m loco.
Good night and good luck.
"falconsR4real"
March 11th, 2009
1:42 am
get over it folks…
falconsR4real
ty TD
ty coach “don’t follow the jones” smith
ty “_____” BKA “Blank”
D. Orlando Ledbetter
March 11th, 2009
1:43 am
NITEOWL: Good night!!!
CED BLACK!!!: Glad to see some of my Packers folks checking in. The Birds have done well up in the Dairyland. Roddy White definitely wants to come back! He got it all in — in the the first half — last season. Tell the Packers to stop that Lambeau Leap stuff. Act like they’ve been in the endzone before!!! (Ced, you coming down for the ACC tourney or what? Rolling with the Memphis Tigers again? Our boy Rod Strickland still coaching with Coach Cal?)
NCAA TOURNEY TIP: WATCH out for those CLEVELAND STATE VIKINGS!!! Where’s Mouse McFadden, Clinton Ransey, Clinton Smith and Kevin Mackey? Bobby Knight was never the same after getting Moused by the Vikings in 1986!!!
Steve
March 11th, 2009
7:30 am
I think Atlanta is doing okay in free agency. I think they should try to consider signing Roy Williams safety from Dallas and signing Dre Bly corner from Denver. We defently need some help in the secondary and they need to try and draft the safety from Alabama Rashad Johnson . I believe he could come in and play imediately. The secondary wasnt that good last year and what they have let go and lost in free agency I really believe they need to stock up with some Vets in that secondary. I dont believe Rookies in the draft is going to help them next year. I also believe they need to get a good Defensive tackle wether it be in the draft or free agency. The tight end im not sold on LJ Smith he has been hurt more than he has played in Philly. All I say is go Dirty Birds lets have another year like last year.
SCOTT
March 11th, 2009
8:05 am
let have a all white NFL pro team in Atlanta folks that would surly shut the mouths of some of these racist naysayers who are never happy with any black player that the falcons recruit on their team . It would seam that these peoples would be well over the Micheal Vick syndrome . I like both of these player . The falcons can now fill in the blanks with the up coming draft.
Jim
March 11th, 2009
9:20 am
Not great signings but pretty smart. They need depth on Oline and Peterson can be a bridge to next linebacker. These moves allow them to go after safety and TE early on in draft.
Joey563
March 11th, 2009
9:20 am
Come on man, pull your head out of your butt Scott. Not every disagreement or disapproval is racially motivated, if people like you stop blaming race for problems and quit giving racist people someone to “get a rise” out of then, they will eventually stop. Let it go…
hawesg
March 11th, 2009
9:59 am
NiteOwl, the question’s for the board. I like Ledbetter’s blog (better than Dave O’Brien by a longshot), but the point of blogs is to share everyone’s views, not simply read the columnist’s views. That’s what the column’s for. And I think Dimitroff will have at least two starters next year from this draft. Simply because he will have to.