The Atlanta Falcons' offseason plan included signing veteran players to short-term contracts in order to win a Super Bowl this season. After the team got to the NFC Championship and missed the big game by just nine yards, a urgency to repeat is at an all-time high. With that, the Falcons signed running back Stephen Jackson and Osi Umenyiora to help bring veteran leadership and experience to the team. Richard Seymour has been the other most sought after signing for Atlanta, motivating the younger players.
Defensive tackle Corey Peters is the likely starter at the position for the Falcons, but his injury history led the team to consider other options. After drafting him in 2010, Peters has yet to be a strong starter, much less a rotational player. He shows flashes of being a strong run stopping power and sometimes a good pass-rusher but the inconsistency is a concern.
Peters is currently a season away from becoming a free agent. The Falcons are making no guarantees that they hang on to the defensive tackle when the season is over. With this, Seymour became a fixation, something that has motivated Peters to improve.
"I'm going to work as hard as I can. I know that if I don't get the job done, that somebody well. That's all the motivation I need. I'm open to anything that is going to make this team play better," Peters said while checking into training camp.
Open enough to take a backseat to Seymour? Atlanta has tried multiple times to sign the veteran pass rusher, but ultimately cannot afford Seymour until they get quarterback Matt Ryan signed to an extension. Seymour currently resides in Atlanta and if the team can make it work, the Falcons will try and get him before training camp is over. It is all pending on other things playing out first. Despite the discussions, Peters is just ready for a fresh start.
"It's pretty much business as usual," Peters said. "I think everybody is really excited. We came so close last year and this is a good chance to get that taste out of our mouths because this is a new year."
Peters is right about this being a new year for the Falcons. They had a strong offseason, appearing to complete the puzzle to get to the Super Bowl. All that is left is to perform on the field and get it done.