“I Should Have A Pro Bowl-Type Of Year”
June 19th, 2018
Talks 2018 goals.
It isn’t just America’s Quarterback, Pro Bowler Jameis Winston, who has lofty goals.
Bucs tight end O.J. Howard was back home this past weekend in Alabama where a sign was erected at his old high school to remind folks who happened to go to school there. Howard hosted a youth football camp there, as well.
In between the camp and the ceremony, Howard had a sitdown with Maria Martin of WSFA-TV in Montgomery. There, Martin asked what some of Howard’s personal goals are for the 2018 NFL season.
“I am expecting nothing but the best,” Howard said. “In my mindset, I think I should have a Pro Bowl-type of year. That is the type of competitor I am. I want to be one of the best tight ends in the NFL.”
As for what Howard learned as a rookie, he said preparation in the NFL is critical to separate the good players from the scrubs and never-beens.
“I would say the mental aspect of the game,” Howard said. “How much it really takes coming from studying the different formations, the different teams and their tendencies. “As a Year 2 player, I know I should get a head start on the games by studying a lot more.”
Joe nearly shed a tear hearing that last quote from Howard. Sounded like Joe’s high school coach, who preached preparation constantly.
As Joe has stated previously, rookie tight ends rarely do much in the NFL because it is such a tough position to master. But if you compare Howard’s numbers to some of the top established tight ends in the NFL, his rookie season suggests Howard is on track to blow up this year.
To see Howard’s full interview with WSFA, click the video below.
June 19th, 2018 at 5:15 am
Love the confidence
By the time , Howard comes up for his contract , Brates gauranteed portion of deal will be done so kudos to bucs for being able to have 2 next level tight ends balling at once.
June 19th, 2018 at 7:24 am
“As a year two player I SHOULD agent a head start on games by studying a lot more”…. Joe you said you shed a tear over that comment, but in a good way? I don’t really see any good in that comment. To me it means he knows he did not put in the required effort. What am I missing?
June 19th, 2018 at 7:24 am
Many forget that the TE is part of the Oline…..all the mention about tackles, guards & centers….the TE is a very important part….the emergence of OJ as a premier blocker will help us greatly moving forward….it’s not just about catching passes. We have WRs and backs doing that….not to mention another great pass catching TE.
June 19th, 2018 at 8:23 am
OJ Howard’s ability to effectively block a DE on 1 play and then beat a safety 30 yards downfield on the next is what makes him a special talent.
The Bucs should be using the 2 TE set about 60-70% of the time this year. It should be our base offensive look the majority of snaps that do not utilize 3 receivers. Assuming the run game becomes consistently effective – utilizing this “12” formation often – will force defenses to stay in their base look on a majority of 1st and 2nd downs and open up lots of mis-matches.
June 19th, 2018 at 8:24 am
Bird – 2018 is the only year that Brate’s salary is guaranteed.
June 19th, 2018 at 11:02 am
Happy to have 2 really good, experienced, tight ends. Weapons!
June 19th, 2018 at 12:23 pm
He is so loved and respected in his hometown.
June 19th, 2018 at 2:46 pm
Ya pretty much missed everything Buc believer.
June 19th, 2018 at 3:08 pm
I SHOULD get a head start because I studied more.
NOT I SHOULD study more so that I can get a head start.
Isn’t that like 4th grade English?
June 19th, 2018 at 3:17 pm
are we grammar checking football players now? lol.
One word for OJ: Stud.