Welcome Back O.J. Howard
November 11th, 2019
Big game.
The thing that jumped out to Joe yesterday about the Bucs’ win was the return of stud tight end O.J. Howard.
And man, did he make a difference.
Late in the first half, Howard had three catches in a 75-yard touchdown drive that put the Bucs up 17-13. The drive ended with a wide open Howard hauling in a 10-yard pass from America’s Quarterback, Pro Bowler Jameis Winston.
And while the touchdown was cool, what knocked Joe’s socks off was the catch Howard made on the previous play, a play that set up Howard’s score.
Jameis went back to pass and Howard was running straight ahead about 25 yards out. Cardinals defensive back Haasan Reddick was guarding Howard but he was facing Howard, not Jameis.
Quarterbacks are told if a defensive back has his back turned to you, throw the ball right at his helmet as the defense is both not looking for the ball and is almost in an impossible position to turn around and pick it off.
Joe didn’t have access to instant replay and the play was bang-bang, in just an instant it seemed that Reddick’s helmet had his back turned to Jameis. Additionally, to the naked eye, it appeared initially Jameis was throwing into double coverage.
So Joe asked Howard if Jameis was just throwing to the back of Reddick’s helmet as most quarterbacks are told to do if that situation arises.
Reddick “was in the trail technique,” Howard said. “That pass was a perfect spot. I could see. Jameis put it where his head was, basically.”
(Last night, Joe checked NFL Game Pass and sure enough, Joe’s eyes did not lie. Reddick sure did have the back of his head turned to Jameis.
While it was a helluva catch by Howard, he seemed to give Jameis much of the credit.
“It was based on the coverage we had,” Howard explained. “I just ran a seam. They were running man-to-man and I got an opportunity to get open and Jameis found me. It was kind of like a back shoulder.”
Joe had explained to Howard that may have been his best game this season. Howard wasn’t basking in the glory.
“We got a win,” Howard said. “That’s the most important thing.”
November 11th, 2019 at 5:14 am
Agree Joe and what has me even more excited is the feeling that even yesterday was just scratching the upside of OJ.
IF…and so far it appears to be a big IF…OJ stays healthy we’ll have the best TE in the league.
November 11th, 2019 at 5:28 am
Definitely a nice catch by Howard but just as important is the pin-point placement of the ball by FAMOUS! Howard needs to keep grinding this cat could become a great tight end in this league…our team is young our DB’s or babies, let’s keep working them until the best begins to shine…i.e. DEAN stepped up today KEEP pressing to get on the field! KEEP FAMOUS AND CONTINUE TO IMPROVE AS A TEAM !! Up next a WIN STREAK!
November 11th, 2019 at 5:29 am
Yes, we got a win.
It’s like finding a cool glass of water in the desert.
November 11th, 2019 at 5:36 am
Yeah, hooray. The coaches finally decided to use a high #1 pick. Shazaam! Howard had some great catches. Meanwhile, Winston takes the lead is most INTs in the NFL, as the Bucs score 29 ppg but give up 31, a good bit on those in points from turnovers. Yesterday but about some individual players looking good, like OJ, Jamel Dean, Shaq Barrett, RoJo (in the pass), etc. But still way to many turnovers. too many pass yards for the other team, and pretty much any other team would have won hands down. The only reason the Cards didn’t tie it with a FG was their own play calling and decision making by a rookie QB, who still pretty much has more upside than Winston.
November 11th, 2019 at 5:36 am
Said it weeks ago – but cut that trash Perriman already, and put OJ in his spot at WR. OJ ran faster than Evans – so no reason he can’t straight up WR – and he might have the best hands on the team. In any case he’s a huge advantage at 6′ 6″.
November 11th, 2019 at 6:00 am
The Juice got loose! I couldn’t believe the sh:t talk about trading, what will be, one of the most dominant TEs in the league soon, if his OC gets a clue! Maximize his talents by getting some designed plays for the TE. With Cam And Juice, you’d have to be brain dead not to target those weapons.
OJ Howard is the real deal. Scotty too hotty, not so much. Perriman is slowly showing some signs of life. He at least broke off his route on a scramble play, but Jameis got out of a jam safely so I’m not gonna complain.
November 11th, 2019 at 6:24 am
OJ had a great game, keep using him… SHOOOOOT! I’d be moving him all over the place! Keep the Defense guessing! Slot, out wide, fullback, TE, motion, everywhere!!! Pull your head out of your @$$ Byron!
November 11th, 2019 at 6:44 am
This coaching staff can’t keep track of time outs or challenges let alone put a game plan together to utilize Howard…. Father Time has caught up with BA
November 11th, 2019 at 6:45 am
@buc cheeks I agree bro an not only should Howard be moving all over the place they should be doing the same thing with ME13, Godwin , Brate an rojo each one of those players are mismatches an are playmakers I’d be moving them around to keep the defense always guessing
November 11th, 2019 at 6:46 am
Sorry
Jameis always makes HIGH DANGEROUS throws…….
November 11th, 2019 at 6:46 am
One good game and everyone thinks hes a probowler. HAHAHAHA.
November 11th, 2019 at 6:47 am
No way the Bucs waste all that cap $$$$$$$ on Jameis in 2020
November 11th, 2019 at 6:53 am
I remember when Howard was selected and I was so excited, and I remember feeling excited for this season in the summer time. Fool me once Glazers shame on you, but fool me for the last 12-13 years well shame on me…….that’s just because I love this team so much. Oh well, F it. Maybe “Trash” Licht’s car breaks down on the way to the 2020 Draft.
November 11th, 2019 at 7:14 am
Ok mains Job is blocking at least for this head coach…..I think they are missusing a Great player.
We all know Miller and Perriman are not he answer so everything comes down to # 13 and # 12!!!
But happy anyways that Miller has a Great catch!!
November 11th, 2019 at 7:48 am
Anonymous
TheBucsAnthem
AlteredEgo Says: Your comment is awaiting moderation.
These guys ⬆️ are obsessed and ridiculous at the same time
November 11th, 2019 at 8:05 am
“LOL! that was a fraction of production of even last year
Kobe can tell OJ is not happy
Insiders like myself know that OJ and his agent agreed to be traded during the draft”
Kobe 1BucMole Faker
November 11th, 2019 at 9:16 am
Welcome back indeed…lol..
GO BUCS
November 11th, 2019 at 9:23 am
Great to see OJ FINALLY being used. Still, BA’s offensive play calling STINKS. Where was Brate? Get the pressure off Ungodly. ME13 was on vacation enjoying the gorgeous day yesterday as he wasn’t getting the ball much.
November 11th, 2019 at 9:37 am
@Orlbucfan,
to answer your questions.
Leftwich calls the plays not BA.
Brate has sore ribs that’s why you saw Tanner Hudson more.
ME13 wasn’t used as much because Howard and RoJo were more involved.
Did you watch the game?
November 11th, 2019 at 9:53 am
Dalvin Cook is closing in on 1,000 yards from scrimmage and is having an MVP season.
But Howard fell to us, so…..
November 11th, 2019 at 10:24 am
Nice to see Howard contribute again after being missing in action for what seemed like forever.