Your First Job Mr. Peters Will Be Julius Peppers

It was looked upon as a great move when the Birds worked out a deal to acquire the services of Bills Pro Bowl left tackle Jason Peters.  Supposedly, they were able replace long-time left tackle Tra Thomas without missing a beat.

Peters showed up to training camp intent on showing everybody that the Eagles made a good decision in grabbing him, but he strained his quad during the conditioning test and was shut down for much of the training camp.

When he did play he had some problems with the snap count and gave up a sack or two.  The offensive line looked unsteady at best.

Now with the first game approaching, he’s got his first assignment, blocking one of the best defensive ends in the game, Julius Peppers.   Peters, who is supposed to be one of the best athletes playing offensive tackle in the NFL, will be dealing with a freak of nature in Peppers.

He’s 6’6″, built like a body builder and weighs about 290 pounds.  He has the speed of a running back and the arm length of an NBA center. 

He will be starting at right defensive end but the Panthers will move him to the other side if they think it’s a better matchup.  They may like the idea of giving Peppers the chance to beat a guy who hasn’t played in a year like Shawn Andrews.

He had 14.5 sacks a year ago and is capable of personally dismantling an offense.  He is also capable of going through the motions, but he seems to play when his contract is coming up.

Right now, the big guy is the Panthers designated franchise player and he could get a huge long term contract if he has a big year.   He might be motivated to kick some butt.

Donovan McNabb should be able to slice up the Panthers secondary if he can get the time.

Carolina has one legitimate pass rusher in Peppers.  If Peters can block him one on one it will allow them to get five receivers out into the routes.  There’s no way the Panthers can cover all of the Eagles receivers.

If the Birds are able to run the ball successfully and with some regularity, it will make Peters’ job on Peppers much easier.  Still Peters must step up to the challenge, big man on big man.

Charlotte is trembling at the thought of their defense trying to stop anybody.  They’ve got holes throughout their secondary, but will McNabb have time. 

That will be up to Mr. Peters.