Yardbarker: Mike Peterson

Falcons’ Peterson a classic, like his old car

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 22:19:24 -0500

After spending the first 10 seasons of his career in the AFC with Indianapolis and Jacksonville, Falcons linebacker Mike Peterson’s career has been rekindled this season in the NFL with the Atlanta Falcons. And the 33-year-old’s having an impact for the Dirty Birds who have a battle with the Bears this week on NBC’s Sunday Night Football. Peterson made time for a few Irrelevant Questions.

Leading a defense and loving football? That's more like Mike

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 14:25:00 -0500

Was Mike Peterson's dispute with his Jags coach an aberration or indicative of his character? Pete Prisco says the answer can be found in Atlanta, where Peterson is thriving as a welcome addition to the Falcons defense.

Leading D and loving football? That's more like Mike

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 14:25:00 -0500

NT Jerry Suffers Rib Injury in Opening Day Win

Sun, 13 Sep 2009 23:00:39 -0500

Falcons rookie nose tackle Peria Jerry suffered a rib injury in the second half when he collided with teammate Mike Peterson and both were dazed for a couple of minutes. Jerry, taken 24th overall by Atlanta in last April’s draft, was replaced by Thomas Johnson. If Jerry is out for an extended period, Johnson — [...]

The Atlanta Falcons defense may not be as bad as it appears

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 09:29:17 -0500

LB Mike Peterson (left), AP Photo/Duane BurlesonThe alarms sounded in Week 3 of the preseason when the Atlanta Falcons hemorrhaged passing yardage.The fans called for the secondary's heads--everyone from veteran Erik Coleman to rookie Chris Owens. Th...

A Veteran Move

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 21:48:03 -0500

The Falcons have signed LB Mike Peterson, of Jacksonville, to a two year deal, addressing two pressing team issues - pass coverage and defensive leadership. With the departures of safety Lawyer Milloy and LB Keith Brooking, the only player remaining from the Falcons' only Super Bowl appearance in 1998, team experience came quickly into question. Of the two elected defensive captains from last season, only eerily-silent John Abraham, the Predator, remains, with Milloy testing the fre...

Now this is more like it. Peterson a Falcon

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 19:53:57 -0500

Mike Peterson, one of my favorite non-Falcons in the league is now a Falcon. Yes folks we in the Falcons fold have watched two of our best linebackers leave via free-agency in an exodus the likes of which have not been seen since Moses. Well, we got a good player in return. ?So, who is Mike [...]

Falcons Sign LB Mike Peterson To A 3-Year Deal

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 04:18:15 -0500

The Atlanta Falcons agreed to terms on a three-year contract with Jacksonville free-agent linebacker Mike Peterson Monday evening, reuniting Peterson...

Free Agent LB Mike Peterson Will Visit Falcons This Week

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 22:12:16 -0500

Free agent linebacker Mike Peterson, a 10-year veteran, is set to visit the Falcons later this week. Peterson started his career as an outside...

Week 11 Preview: Titans @ Jaguars

Sat, 15 Nov 2008 21:39:13 -0500

Sunday marks the first time this season the Titans have a repeat opponent. Our heroes must do battle with Jack Del Rio (with his career 1-2 postseason record) and the Jacksonville Jaguars. Jacksonville has a 1-3 home record this year, the lone victory coming over the Houston Texans in overtime. Needless to say, this has been a disappointing season for the Jags, who many pundits predicted would make a deep playoff run. A team that traditionally prides itself on superior defense and a strong ru...

Jaguars Fine LB Mike Peterson $10K For Insubordination

Sun, 09 Nov 2008 20:26:35 -0500

Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Mike Peterson, sent home earlier in the week from practices, did not dress for Sunday's game at Detroit and he will...

Finding My Routine

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 11:24:04 -0500

As of right now I'm spending a lot of time by myself just trying to get into my routine. I moved into my place over the weekend and have been just kind of hanging around there. I'm kinda approaching this the same way I attacked my senior year. I'm watching a lot of film, watching the veteran guys - how they practice and how they prepare - and picking off little things and adding them to my approach. I'm literally trying to be the hardest working guy on the team. You can always learn from watching the vets. I watch the way they train, how they take care of their bodies, messages, cold tubs all the little things they do to keep their bodies right. When you see guys who have been playing in the league for 10 years still taking notes in meetings that's really motivating to me. You are never too old to learn especially at this level. And all these guys are great. Mike Peterson is the leader of the linebacker unit. He's so smart and is always taking notes. Daryl Smith plays all the positions so he's been very helpful. Justin Durant is in his second year so he's the one I'm closest to on an experience level. He is able to tell me some of the things he went through a year ago. I try to get tips from all of the linebackers and just try to be a sponge. I'm really focusing on the smaller details when I'm watching film... things like plays they call after penalties, after turnovers, when they're in the red zone and down and distance stuff. All of it is helping me be a better student of the game.

The Sponge

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:49:22 -0500

The big difference between training camp and OTAs is that everyone is much more serious now. There is a sense of urgency from everybody. Practice is set up the same way OTAs, but now we're going two-a-days, full pads, 1/2 pads, shells, hats and cleats. Yesterday we went out just in hats - like baseball hats. From the first days of OTAs to first day of camp is a huge difference. I am much more confident in what I'm doing and where I'm supposed to be. I am more comfortable in the setting and I know the guys. It's a better feeling. After having that month off after OTAs everyone is re-energized and excited to get going. I'm working with the third team right now. I expected to start at the bottom and work my way up. I expected to get an opportunity to come in here and work and compete and when it's all done see where the cards lay. I am trying to talk to the vets as much as possible... the 10-year, 9-year, even 2nd-year guys to see what they went through as rookies. I want to be a sponge and pay attention to everything and I definitely watch extra film. One of the most interesting things to me is just how knowledgeable the vets are about the game. I have always studied hard and felt like an expert but when you get around these guys you realize how much more you have to study if you really want to be an expert. These guys are 9s and 10s on a scale of 10 and I'm maybe a 2. Guys like Fred Taylor and Mike Peterson and John Henderson - guys I've been watching on TV for the last few years. I ask them a lot of questions and the way they look at things and perceive things have been very enlightening. They have been very helpful.