Dolphins rookie left tackle Jake Long was named to the AFC squad of the Pro Bowl Tuesday after Bills tackle Jason Peters had to pull out due to a knee injury. http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/sfl-long0120,0,7189153.story
It doesn't matter how you get to the dance, it's who you dance with while you're there. Make us proud big man!!!!!
I am not surprised that Jake wasn't on the team originally, but I am surprised that Peters was. He played like garbage for the better part of the year imo. Glad to see, as others have said, that justice has prevailed here. Jake has certainly paid dividence already.
Good for him, but better for us. What does this say? We spent years of poor play at LT AND QB, two of the most important positions on the team. Suddenly we have ProBowl level play at both positions. This regime will bring in much more quality it seems. They're competent.
Big Players Make Big Plays! Its hard to make big plays when you an offensive lineman. Jake did enough to get his behind in to pro bowl..a sign of great things to come!
This is great news for Jake, but honestly I would perfer if he didn't make it because there is always a chance of injury when playing (ie our former HB/FB Edwards). He deserved it and I am proud of him, but lets keep our fingers crossed for no injuries in the Pro Bowl.
Edwards got injured during a beach football game. I doubt that will happen to Long. It sure is nice to have our team use the #1 pick and absolutely hit on it. There are so many teams that got screwed by the top pick but not us.
Jason Peters had no business being there this year anyway. Bills fans have just about had it with this guy's antics.
I hope Jake is still hungry after he returns. He may not work as hard had he not made it. I hope for all of us fans and his team, he continues to have the hunger to go there every year and be the best LT in the NFL.
I'm trying real hard not to rip into this post. [Takes a deep breath. Tells self to be cool. Exhales.] Here's a little story: I had excellent seats behind the Miami bench for the final preseason game in New Orleans. We were losing and did not look good. New Orleans scored again. Jake Long went over to each player on offense and yelled at them all and pounded their pads, imploring them to dig deeper, and to work harder to get back into the game. The following drive we scored and eventually won the game. Jake Long did the above in the fourth preseason game, you know, the game when the skill starters sit out. He had not yet even played a snap of meaningful NFL football, but he was impassioned and angry. Jake Long ain't the kind of guy to get fat and lazy because of one Pro Bowl. Jake Long will not fall asleep in film session because he stayed up all night playing video games. Jake Long lives for football. I wouldn't worry about Jake Long.
This was well deserved. Long was great for us and battled through an ankle injury I believe in the middle portion of the season. He truely is an unsung hero and we sometimes take him for granted.
The man going into next year is The Premiere Left Tackle in the game. hands down, there isnt another player that anyone on this board would trade for...so if you would, i'd like to know the player.
question: I remember reading an article around the time of Longs signing that said if he made the pro bowl as a named player and not an alternate that he'd get an incentive to his contract. I guess he won't get that money even though porter opted out?