O.J. Howard Was Inspired By Calais Campbell
October 24th, 2017
O.J. Howard
This should have some Bucs fans barking at their dogs this morning.
Of course, Bucs rookie first-round pick O.J. Howard had his breakthrough game against the Bills on Sunday, a two-touchdown, 98-yard performance that included a perfect six catches on six targets.
That earned Howard a ticket to the Buccaneers Radio Network yesterday.
There he was asked what his special moment was when he knew he belonged in the NFL or when he realized, ‘Hey, this is the NFL.’
It came during joint practices in August against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Howard said.
Howard said having to run block 6-8, 300-pound manbeast Jags defensive end/tackle Calais Campbell, the NFL sacks leader with 10, was so difficult it was a true eye-opener.
“I held my own and he even he told me that after the joint practices, that he thought I did a good job and to keep improving,” Howard said of Campbell.” Whenever a guy [like him] tells you that you just run with it and keep working hard.”
Of course, Campbell is a thorn for many Bucs fans since Tampa Bay passed on him in this year’s free agency and instead opted to save money and sign Chris “Swaggy” Baker, who reminds Bucs fans of a cross between Albert Haynesworth and Ryan Sims.
Howard also added that Bears tight end Zack Miller and Giants receiver Odell Beckham, Jr. talked to him this season and offered impactful encouragement.
October 24th, 2017 at 7:13 am
Wow! That says a lot. Especially with the YUCS having the best DT in the league on the roster. Oh Aunt Geraldine! Looking forward to seeing you vanish this weekend.
October 24th, 2017 at 7:33 am
We didn’t pass on Campbell. We had no chance of signing him and everyone knew it. He went straight to Jax and signed without even meeting the coach.
October 24th, 2017 at 7:35 am
Buc Fans need to quit crying about Free Agents or Draft picks the team didn’t get.
This coming draft we’ll be in the top ten again and hopefully the bucs draft a top DE or DT cause lord know GMC “Mr Softie” is not getting the job done.
October 24th, 2017 at 7:42 am
I, for one, am not crying about the free agents that the Bucs didn’t get. I am crying about the ones that the Bucs DID GET. For whatever reason, they are not making a difference so far. #PaidFloridaVacation
October 24th, 2017 at 7:47 am
Doc, I agree, seems Licht’s buy on the cheap isn’t working well at all. Get what you pay for. Ayers, Baker not working out. Grimes is, but 8 mil a year I would not call cheap for a 34 yo. Same with DJAX 11 mil a year not cheap. I am more frustrated about the decision making. NOT drafting a WR in 2016 when you KNEW you needed one. the 2016 draft class is a mess as it sits now anyway. And this team has 60 mil in cap space, and I know the you need to pay Evans, Marpet, Kwon, etc, but so does every other team that has good players.
October 24th, 2017 at 7:51 am
Doctor Stroud Says:
October 24th, 2017 at 7:42 am
I, for one, am not crying about the free agents that the Bucs didn’t get. I am crying about the ones that the Bucs DID GET. For whatever reason, they are not making a difference so far. #PaidFloridaVacation
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Well I immediately could tell after few months of Fatty Baker being here that it was a wasted signing by his non-work ethics during camp and crappy preason play…….he did nothing
After Bull$hit Ward cried after the AZ (calling people out) game and then cried again about playing time……he’s not a team guy but a “me” guy along with his Fatty Baker buddy.
DJAX is also a “me first” guy but he’s on offense.
It’s ridiculous, but now you can see the team’s “un-unity” on field because they’re not playing with swagger or drive like they did last year……..
The GM just needs to blow it up….release ward, baker, and djax.
Go for TEAM GUYS………..bring this team back together again and we’ll see that swagger we seen last year.
October 24th, 2017 at 7:58 am
Good point TBA, I have yet heard the family come out of this team unlike last years.
October 24th, 2017 at 8:09 am
The Jaguars are paying Campbell 16 million a year, i can understand why the Bucs passed, fustrating looking back on it now.
October 24th, 2017 at 8:10 am
Campbell is an example of a player that makes others around him better. McCoy is the opposite. He’s a perennial loser.
October 24th, 2017 at 8:15 am
Howard was a fantastic pick……our offense is set….next years first 4 picks should be DE, CB, DE, CB……..
October 24th, 2017 at 8:22 am
Hey dog, no mention of Kobe Faker?
as a professional poster i started the #FREEOJSTOCKER movement to get you your 6 targets and no props for your peeps?
“so, this is how its going to be?”
Kobe Faker
October 24th, 2017 at 8:28 am
thunderchunkyPA, what do you mean we didn’t draft a WR in 2016? Have you forgotten 2nd round WR Roberto? Oh wait, WR doesn’t stand for Wide Right anymore, does it. My bad.
October 24th, 2017 at 9:17 am
No rat poison here
October 24th, 2017 at 9:26 am
@Kobe
Stop calling him O.J. Stocker FFS we’ve been over this.
October 24th, 2017 at 9:26 am
KOBe faker lol yea you right il give you a good shout out good looking out atleast they finally listened to one of their fans
October 24th, 2017 at 9:55 am
Joe – what makes you think he would have even come here? He was smart to go to a team where he knew they had great pass rushing DE’s and LBs – thus teams couldn’t double/triple him every play. I just saw a little segment on the pigskin network showing how the Jags D affords Calais great opportunities of single blocking – hence his domination. He would not have that same luxury here.
October 24th, 2017 at 10:13 am
The Jaguars are paying Campbell 16 million a year, i can understand why the Bucs passed, fustrating looking back on it now.
they sure are getting their moneys worth….nobody’s complaining…GO BUCS!!!
October 24th, 2017 at 10:26 am
The chemistry between Jameis and Howard seems to be getting better all the time! This kid is going to become one of the best in the game very soon!
October 24th, 2017 at 11:45 am
Hey Dewie, Licht could have called Campbell’s agent and said shop around and we will beat any offer you receive as long as you give us a shot. That call was never made and there wasn’t a sense of urgency in getting him obviously. Hell he didn’t even talk to the coaches before signing with the Jags. He went where the money was. The big contract should have come from the Bucs because if they had offered it he would have come.
October 24th, 2017 at 11:53 am
None of you guys have any clue what calls were or were not made. Give me a break.
Campbell would have been nice but it didn’t happen. Get over it already. My guess is that if he did come here, he would not even have half the production he has had in Jax so far. Just how things go with this team.
October 24th, 2017 at 11:58 am
Right unbelievable, he didn’t just chase the money. He said Jax has such a rich history of winning and Jacksonville is such an awesome city that I just have to live there.
October 24th, 2017 at 12:13 pm
Howard is coming along nicely, and right on time. Defenses are starting to focus on Brate. All of Howards TDs so far have been uncontested because the rest of the personnel on the field requires so much attention. As Howard learns the nuances of the position he’ll find himself open for a lot more touches.
October 24th, 2017 at 12:14 pm
Campbell was quoted after signing with Jax –
“I have always preferred to live where it smells funny- so this decision was a no brainer…”
October 24th, 2017 at 12:16 pm
OJ had a nice game catching the ball. Glad to see him getting utilized more in the passing attack.
October 24th, 2017 at 12:30 pm
Reading through these comments has me trippin’. How is it that some fans are already talking the draft?? We haven’t even played a division game yet!!!!
I get just as frustrated as the Joes & even best Bucs fans, #StickCarriers, but my dude!! We string two games in a row and we back on top of the division, with all these same Bucs fans screaming about how they never doubted!!
R-E-L-A-X kats, still a lot of ball left.
October 24th, 2017 at 12:31 pm
Slow news day aye Joe(s)? I keep coming here waiting to see the “Bucs are shopping Defensive Coordinators” article. Alas, not happening just yet…
October 24th, 2017 at 12:34 pm
@JayBucBoi
Spot on. Not gonna lie, I thought the sky was falling after this last lost. I don’t see how we can possibly win anymore games if the D keeps playing the way they are. HOWEVER, Joe penned a great article about the next 2 games (both divisional) and it made me realize this year is far from over. Win both and we are right back in the thick of the playoff race.
October 24th, 2017 at 12:40 pm
6-8, 300-pound manbeast Jags defensive end/tackle Calais Campbell, the NFL sacks leader
—————-
Hmmm so a 300 pound guy CAN rush from the edge. I was told that wasn’t possible bc wtf do I know.
As for OJ someone should tell coach that he can be used in the red zone too. That skinny post to Brate is becoming predictable.
October 24th, 2017 at 12:41 pm
I like OJ. Great pick. as far as all this other yadayada… I hope that this last week was the I’m pissed – wake up call for our team – especially the defense. They’re a proud bunch and I seriously doubt that this is going to be just a ‘roll over’ moment. Really looking forward to this weekend’s game. Go Bucs!
October 24th, 2017 at 12:43 pm
@JayBucBoi
Have you not seen this defense? Sure we are not mathematically eliminated yet, and it doesn’t hurt to be positive.
But winning 9 outta 10 to end the season is the only way to secure a playoff spot, and that ain’t happening. Our “pass rush” is non-existent, and our secondary is giving up numerous explosive plays for free against EVERYONE! Oh and the majority of our D-line is over 30, same goes for most of our secondary, and they are going to have to be replaced sooner rather than later.
Sorry, at this point, I’d much rather us go 5-11 or 6-10 and get a top 10 pick than have us go 7-9 or 8-8.
If our Defense hadn’t severely regressed, and we weren’t 2-4, then I’d be singing a different tune. But things are the way they are.
October 24th, 2017 at 1:06 pm
TDTB- I’m sure he chased money and also saw the Jax has a boatload of talent on the defensive side of the ball.
Again- you, me, and anyone else commenting here has no clue what calls were or were not made, nor what offers. So claiming otherwise just seems ridiculous.
October 24th, 2017 at 1:24 pm
Kind of wish that all our weapons would zone at the same time.
October 24th, 2017 at 1:24 pm
Why would a Free Agent want to come to the Bucs? This should be the last place that would want to come to.
October 24th, 2017 at 1:42 pm
1. Team Glazer loot.
2. Accountant-friendly state income tax (as in none).
3. Quality of life (you’d rather live in a pit like Chicago, Cleveland or Green Bay?).
October 24th, 2017 at 8:51 pm
Next year’s draft: DE, RB, DE, OL, CB, Special team, special team. Of course, Jason Licht won’t be here to pick them. He was good at picking the 3 and 4 picks, but, you got to hit on your 1’s and 2’s. It’s a production business.