Beast mode...

New Atlanta Falcons RB Steven Jackson: Photo/ SI.com

Yesterday I headed to work thinking that the Atlanta Falcons were just going to wait until the draft  and draft a running back. But towards the end of my workday word came down that the Falcons had won the battle of luring St. Louis Rams free agent RB Steven Jackson. "Wait a minute," I thought to myself. I thought the Green Bay Packers signed him earlier in the day to a 3-year deal. Guess that fell through because he is now an Atlanta Falcon, signing a 3-year $12 million with $4 million guaranteed.

I like the signing. My thought by this signing is the Falcons are ready to win now. They are a veteran team that wants to get over the hump and display the Lombardi Trophy up I-85 in Flowery Branch, Ga. Falcons could have passed on Jackson and opted to draft a RB and mold a RB for years to come, but Falcons want a veteran. Jackson, 6-2, 240 lbs, can run north and south and also run east and west. Jackson learned from the best as he was the backup to Rams and NFL Hall of Famer RB Marshall Faulk, before taking the starting role after Faulk retired. Jackson, entering his 10th season, all with the Rams until now, has had eight straight seasons with 1,000 yards rushing. Now Jackson turns 30 in July, and word through all the media sources is he can be productive for a few more years.

The Falcons offensive skill positions are set for 2013, they need to shore up the offensive line and defensive end position, hopefully through more FA signing or through the draft. Here's hoping the "Beast" will be let loose in the Georgia Dome for the next few years.

Don't forget to follow me on twitter @makirkley.

Mark A. Kirkley: twitter @makirkley