Bills OT Peters Heading to Honolulu

by Brian Galliford on Dec 18, 2007 4:32 PM EST in Buffalo Bills News

Peters makes his first trip to Hawaii (BuffaloBills.com)

In a year in which a roster filled with relatively anonymous players has produced a .500 record, it's to be expected that the Buffalo Bills are only sending one player to Hawaii. The NFL announced the Pro Bowl rosters today, and Bills tackle Jason Peters will start for the AFC squad.

Peters has now started nearly a year and a half at left tackle for the Bills after taking over at the position for Mike Gandy mid-way through the 2006 season. The former undrafted free agent came into the league as a member of the Bills' practice squad - as a tight end. Now, nearly four years later, Peters has been recognized as one of the two best exterior linemen in the AFC. He has headlined an improved Bills line that has cut its sack allowances nearly in half (47 in 2006, 23 to this point in 2007) and has not given up a sack in the past three weeks. The unit has also been the catalyst of a revamped rushing attack featuring Marshawn Lynch and, more recently, Fred Jackson.

Peters will bookend with New England's Matt Light as a starter. The interior starters consist of New England's Logan Mankins, Indianapolis' Jeff Saturday and Pittsburgh's Alan Faneca.

Other Pro Bowl hopefuls from the Bills included LB Angelo Crowell and K Rian Lindell. Crowell is quietly enjoying the best season of his career, leading the Bills in tackles with 113 and adding 2 sacks, an interception and a fumble recovery. Chris Brown of the team's official site believes Crowell deserved a shot as well. Lindell set a franchise mark by connecting on 17 consecutive field goals this season, and has connected on 21 of 24 overall. He lost out to the Titans' Rob Bironas, who has enjoyed a spectacular 31-of-35 season, including connecting on 8 field goals in a victory over Houston earlier this season.

From the official site comes some great quotes from Peters' coach, Jim McNally:

"He's very, very talented," said Bills offensive line coach Jim McNally. "His potential is unlimited. He's close to 350 pounds and he can run as fast as you want him to run. He's strong, good agility, balance, direction. He has all the tools."

"He just has to continue to play," said McNally. "The only person that can stop Jason Peters is himself. His ability is limitless."

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Well it's something positive

It's good to see a guy come from a practice squad and now make a pro bowl and a LT at that. A premier position. Too bad Marshawn got hurt, he might have had a chance.

by RabidBuffalo on Dec 18, 2007 7:22 PM EST reply actions

Re: LT as a premiere position

Couldn't agree more. I think it speaks volumes to the direction of the team that they've developed a Pro Bowler along the offensive line - something that hasn't happened since 1993 (H. Ballard). Peters is going to be a centerpiece of this offense for a long, long time.

Create a free account to join in the discussion, Bills fans!

by Brian Galliford on Dec 18, 2007 8:43 PM EST up reply actions

Congrats...

to the big guy. He's earned it. At least one JP on the team can meet, if not exceed his potential. I can't wait to see him grow into the leader of our O-line in the years to come.

by marv4prez2012 on Dec 18, 2007 7:43 PM EST reply actions

Another thing that impressed me

He won the starter spot over Jonathan Odgen, the first guy people mention when it comes to premier LT's.

by RabidBuffalo on Dec 18, 2007 9:21 PM EST reply actions

Tough for Crowell

He really had no shot at making the Pro Bowl. After the 3 guys who made it at OLB, there are still guys like Keith Bulluck, Thomas Howard and Derrick Johnson who would probably be ahead of Crowell.

He's had a great season, but not a PB type season...

by Kurupt on Dec 18, 2007 10:50 PM EST reply actions

It's funny

A undrafted free agent develops into the bookend, corner stone LT that Mike Williams was drafted to become. Kind of funny how one guy gets all the hype, becomes a top pick, and gets the contact that goes with it, But an undrafted after thought kind of guy gets the job done.

who would have thought I'd miss Pete Metzelaars?

by sireric on Dec 19, 2007 7:11 AM EST reply actions

I know no one will believe me...

But I cohosted a sports talk radio show on WHLD in Buffalo. We lasted a season before we got the hook. I have a voice like Wolfman Jack, but apparently Polka got better ratings. Anyway...

We were doing a draft preview show. I had seen highlights, and read scouting reports on the 6'4" 325 lb. TE, and was clamoring for him. I was delighted when TD signed him as a FA the next day, and have been happy with Peters since. As a draftnik, I can proudly say that was my best "pick" ever.

Just one more tidbit. Remember the way he crushed through the Bengal line, blocked a punt, and returned it for a TD? To this day I still say he could have been a ProBowl D-Lineman. What a great tackle he'd make.

by krytime on Dec 19, 2007 10:33 AM EST reply actions