With all of the off-season hype surrounding Tony Gonzalez coming to Atlanta (and all deserved I might add), veteran linebacker Mike Peterson seems to get lost in the shuffle but will prove to be a key off-season addition. This 11-year linebacker out of Florida has totaled 1000 career tackles which averages to about 91 a season. And from what all the Falcons players keep saying, Mike P is already a much needed leader on a young defense.

The Falcons lost 4 of their top 10 tacklers and plug up the middle expert Grady Jackson. But the biggest lost might be locker room leaders Keith Brooking and Lawyer Milloy. Mike Peterson seems to fill in the role of mentor for young talented LBs Curtis Lofton, Stephen Nicholas, and Coy Wire. Peterson also knows the philosophies of Mike Smith who was the Defensive Coordinator in Jacksonville from 2003-2007.

Mike Peterson also provides some swagger to this young inexperienced defense. He is known as a big trash talker while on the field. When asked in an interview with the AJC about talking trash Peterson said: “That’s my game, man. Michael Jordan is jawing when he dunks. Mike Peterson talks trash when he plays.” It’s going to be exciting to see this guy back up the talk. It will also be interesting to see if the Falcons D can play better than the 2008 edition.

Falcons News and Notes:

Starting cornerback Chris Houston missed practice Monday after suffering a hamstring strain against the Detroit Lions on Saturday. Mike Smith says the injury is not that serious.

First Round pick Peria Jerry finished the first preseason game with only 1 tackle. But Mike Smith says they are very happy with Jerry’s progress so far.