Matt Bryant wins the Falcons' kicking job

FLOWERY BRANCH – Matt Bryant, who was signed late last season, won the kicking competition, said Falcons coach Mike Smith after Sunday's second practice.

"We went ahead and made that move today," Smith said.

The Falcons released kicker Steven Hauschka and tight end Colin Peek between practices.

"This is year nine for me and I still try to go out there just like I did when I was a rookie," Bryant said. "Do good today so I can come back tomorrow."

They also signed cornerback Gabe Derricks, who had been previously released by the team. The team was expected to sign another defensive back. Former Auburn safety Eric Brock, who played with the Falcons last season, is a strong candidate.

Hauschka and Bryant missed field goals in the exhibition season opener against Kansas City. Hauschka missed a 53-yarder and Bryant missed a 50-yarder, but it had plenty of distance, but sailed wide right.

"I crushed it," Bryant said. "I thought I hit it pretty well. It was one of those deals where it made a, for some reason, a goofy right turn on me and it straightened out again. I hit maybe one of those every 100 balls. It was not a normal ball flight."

Hauschka opened last season with the Baltimore Ravens, beating out the legendary Matt Stover. Bryant was cut by Tampa Bay and re-surfaced in the United Football League.

Bryant was signed on Dec. 1 after Jason Elam was released. Hauschka was signed on Dec. 29 by the Falcons.

Hauschka made nine of 13 fields goals for the Ravens. He was cut after missing a 36-yard field goal attempt and having an extra point attempt blocked against Cleveland last November.

Earlier in the season he had missed potential winning 44-yard field goal against Minnesota and a 36-yarder against Cincinnati that would have gotten Baltimore within a touchdown with six minutes left.

But the Falcons liked him enough to sign him late last season. A clause in the contract called for him to be invited to the 2010 training camp.

Peek, who started his career at Georgia Tech and later transferred to Alabama, suffered a right knee sprain early in camp. The team reached an injury settlement with Peek.

Derricks, was a four-year starter at San Diego, was originally signed by the Falcons as a rookie free agent on April 26, 2010. He was released on July 31, 2010.

Jerry ramps up

Falcons defensive tackle Peria Jerry had his worked load increased.

Jerry, the team's first round draft pick in 2009, is working his way back into the lineup after suffering a season-ending knee surgery last season.

He showed some explosiveness and brute strength in the one-on-one drills. The offensive guards had a tough time dealing with him.

"I'm feeling real good," Jerry said. "They let me do a little more in practice, take more reps. I'm looking forward to it."

Jerry was held out of the exhibition opener and is not likely to play against New England on Thursday night. The earliest he could return would be the third exhibition game against Miami on Aug. 27.

"I'm not really sure yet," Jerry said when asked when he might return. "They haven't told me anything. Whenever they tell, I'm going to be ready for it I know that."

Smith was pleased with the play of his defensive tackles against Kansas City.

"I thought that Trey Lewis looked more explosive than he has over the last two years," Smith said. "Jamaal Anderson had some good rushes. For his first competition, I thought Corey Peters did some good things as well."

Jonathan Babineaux only played six snaps and played well, according to Smith.

"Vance Walker came in and gave us some really good snaps at that position, too," Smith said.

The interior push is a big part of the Falcons improvement plan on defense. With a healthy Jerry making a big push up the middle, they believe that will free up some room around the edges for John Abraham and the rest of the defensive ends.

Peters makes his case: Peters, the team's third round pick, entered the game on the second play.

He was pleased with his first NFL action.

"I did some good things," Peters said. "I did some bad things. I was able to get a couple of reps and get a couple of pressures on the quarterback. But I've also got some things to work on."

Getting JPW ready

Quarterback John Parker Wilson received some extra reps at practice, but there is not battle for the backup spot.

"We know what Chris (Redman) can do," Smith said. "He's been our backup quarterback for the last two years. Last year he came in and I thought he played well for us."