Atlanta Falcons' LBs Might Be Depleted, but Expectations Still High

Call me "Captain Obvious," but my Atlanta Falcons are a heckuva lot better than they were at this time last year.

Sure, by May 2007, we'd signed our new running back in Michael Turner, and drafted a fresh face for the franchise in quarterback Matt Ryan. Still, there wasn't much reason to expect more than a three—win improvement over the previous season's 4—12 mark.

But look at us now!

After charging to the playoffs on an 11-5 record in 2008, picking up one of the top defensive tackles in the draft, and trading for a great tight end, we're downright scary.

That being said though, I'm not going to act like all is peachy-keen here in the Peach State.

While Peria Jerry and Tony Gonzalez are two terrific additions, the departure of both Keith Brooking (Cowboys) and Michael Boley (Giants) leaves us a little thin at linebacker, to say the least.

How convenient that the two key defectors played the same position, no?

The good news is that the rest of the D looks solid. The line still has Jamaal Anderson and sack machine John Abraham on the ends with Jonathan Babineaux at one of the tackles. It's quite possible that Jerry will get the majority of the time as the other DT, though Jason Jefferson did much to prove himself last year.

The secondary still sports Chris Houston at corner and Erik Coleman (the team's solo tackle leader) at free safety. Lawyer Milloy (second on the team in tackles) may have been dropped, but that's actually a good sign considering his age.

In all, I'm very pleased with this group, especially when I remember the dysfunction that was the '07 defensive backfield.

But how do we remedy the weakness of our three in the 4-3? Monster in the middle Chris Lofton, the only returning starter, certainly can't do it all on his own.

Good thing we picked up former Jaguar Mike Peterson.

He led Jacksonville in tackles last season and has all the experience necessary to not only step right in on the strong side and contribute, but also help young Stephen Nichols—who's right behind him on the depth chart and will likely get decent time to develop.

As for the weak side, word right now is that Coy Wire, formerly a defensive back, is going to take the starting position. It's an interesting proposition, and one I'm willing to give a try. The dude's a touch undersized, but he's proved that he can make things happen with his 28 solo tackles last year in limited time.

The Falcons also drafted Spencer Adkins out of Miami in the sixth round for a little extra depth.

All in all, I'm going to stay optimistic, even with the losses of Brooking and Boley. I doubted the Dirty Birds the tiniest bit going into the last campaign, and look how silly they made me feel.

Yes, it would have been great had one of the USC LBs of this draft fallen into our lap. But considering our first-round position, nabbing Peria is nothing to be upset about.

Let me leave you with a little limerick: Despite the losses to the 'backing corps, the offense will score...and the Falcons will soar.