With the change at quarterback made, there’s been much debate on how Nate Peterman’s play will impact the team. Buffalobills.com went to Peterman’s teammates for a handle on what the rookie quarterback’s skill set will bring to the offense.
Buffalo Bills Insider Chris Brown provides the details. Here is his report:
LeSean McCoy: He’s accurate
Buffalo’s feature back noticed this attribute about his fellow Pitt alum all the way back in OTAs. Peterman is pretty consistent when it comes to putting the ball on the money.
“He was a surprise to a lot of the players when he got here with his ball placement,” McCoy said. “Each week, his growth, making plays against the defense. He looks good. I think he’s got a lot of talent. I’m anxious to see how he does this week.”
Zay Jones: He has mobility
When it comes to the Bills roster no other player has been around him longer than Zay Jones. The rookie receiver was with Peterman at the Senior Bowl this past January as they both played on the North Team.
From then until now, Jones’ opinion of Peterman’s skill set hasn’t changed. In fact, there’s one part of his game that he doesn’t believe many opponents respect enough.
“He doesn’t get a lot of credit for his ability to move,” said Jones. “He moves phenomenally well. He’s great out of the pocket as well. Great in the pocket. Throws an accurate ball. A great leader. He’s a very instinctive player.
“I have a lot of confidence in Nate and I know he does in this football team as well. So it’s just time for us to jell and come together because our goal is still in sight.”
Nick O’Leary: He gets the ball out on time
Buffalo’s tight end was on the receiving end of Peterman’s first career touchdown pass last Sunday. In the time he’s worked with him on the practice field and in preseason games there’s one particular trait in the rookie’s game that he believes is his greatest asset.
“He’s just gets the ball out of there on time,” O’Leary said. “He throws it wherever he thinks he needs to go at that time. He’s confident.”
Eric Wood: He’s pretty steady
One player who will be assisting Peterman more than anyone else on Sunday is center Eric Wood. Whether it’s line calls or protections, Wood will be running things up front for the rookie. What has left an impression on Wood with Peterman is how even-keeled the rookie signal caller can be.
“He’s a pretty calm and cool cat,” said Wood. “He doesn’t ride the emotions in practice. When he made a bad play in the past it wouldn’t steamroll him. He’s pretty steady.
“The only game I played with him in the preseason was Baltimore and he commanded the huddle well in that game. He’s very smart. He makes quick decisions. He gets rid of the ball on time. He’s accurate. He’s mature despite his age. There are a lot of qualities to like about Nate.”
How he’ll impact Bills offense
It’s pretty evident that the quarterback change made by head coach Sean McDermott was rooted in giving their timing-based offense more rhythm. One of Peterman’s greatest attributes is his ability to get the ball out in rhythm after reaching the top of his drop.
This should take pressure off the offensive line as they won’t have to protect as long on pass plays. As Zay Jones mentioned, Peterman has an instinct for where receivers will come open for a play to be made.
“I had a coach tell me in college, who is in the NFL now, that what separates quarterbacks from college to the NFL is anticipation,” said Peterman. “So that’s what I try to do. I try to make sure I’m getting the ball to guys in those windows, our playmakers, and let them do their thing with it. I don’t know if it looks quick, but I’m just trying to get it in those windows.”
That will hopefully give Buffalo’s receiving targets more opportunities to get yards after the catch, an area where the Bills rank 29th in the league.
Peterman is smart enough to know he doesn’t have all the answers, but he’ll be doing everything he can to be as prepared as possible Sunday.
“I’ve definitely worked hard to get comfortable, familiar with things,” he said. “The first day of OTAs probably didn’t look that good. I’ve worked to keep getting better every day. Hopefully I can keep taking steps.”