AFC backup quarterback named to Pro Bowl after 4 starts, 2 passing TDs

Tyler “Snoop” Huntley is heading to the Pro Bowl.

According to multiple reports Tuesday, the Baltimore Ravens quarterback was named as a Pro Bowl alternate, replacing Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen. Additionally, Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence was added to the AFC roster, replacing Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Patrick Mahomes, according to ESPN.

Huntley being named a Pro Bowl could be seen as a bit of a surprise given his performance this season. The third-year quarterback took over as the starter in Baltimore following an injury to Lamar Jackson, appearing in six games and starting four.

Huntley won’t be the only “Snoop” at the Pro Bowl for the AFC. Musician Snoop Dog is set to serve as a captain for the AFC squad, with comedian Pete Davidson set to serve as a captain for the NFC squad.

Huntley finished 2-2 as a starter, completing 67% of his passes and averaging 109.7 passing yards per game. Huntley threw two touchdown passes and three interceptions this season, finishing with a passer rating of 77.2. For reference, New England Patriots rookie Bailey Zappe finished with five passing touchdowns and 781 total passing yards (compared to Huntley’s total of 658).

With that said, Huntley is a dual-threat quarterback known for his athleticism — though his production did drop a bit this season. He ran the ball 43 times for 137 yards and one touchdown this season.

For reference, Patriots quarterback Mac Jones ran for a total of 102 yards this season in 14 games.

How did Huntley end up getting picked? According to Pro Football Talk, Huntley finished seventh in Pro Bowl voting among AFC quarterbacks this season, making him the fourth alternate at the position. According to ESPN, the alternates ahead of Huntley — Tua Tagovailoa, Justin Herbert and Jackson — are unable to play due to injury.

At the time he was named an alternate, Huntley had played three games and had yet to throw a single touchdown pass.

So how did Huntley land in the Pro Bowl? One possibility is overzealous voting from Ravens fans. Another possibility, according to Pro Football Talk, could be that NFL coaching staffs and players voting for a less-prominent quarterback like Huntley in order to give their quarterback an edge in the voting.

“All it would take is a bunch of defensive players from other teams voting for Huntley to help their quarterback,” a source told PFT.

The Pro Bowl is set to take place Sunday, Feb. 5. This marks the first year that the Pro Bowl will center around skills challenges and a flag football game as opposed to a full game.

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