Link: Why OJ Howard is Playing Better Than You May Think

RTR91 · Oct 8, 2015

Link

O.J. Howard's statistics won't blow you away.

He has a modest 13 catches for 183 yards and no touchdowns through five games this season. In his last two games, he's had a combined two catches for eight yards.

Howard's impact goes far beyond catches and statistics, though.

In fact, the non-receiving work has been his best this year for Alabama. It's a big reason he is the second-best tight end in the country, according to Pro Football Focus' grading system. He has a +9.1 run block grade that is exceptional for a tight end that isn't on the field solely to block. Pro Football Focus called him the best "dual-threat tight end in the nation."

"He's a great run blocker, one of the two or three best run blockers in college," said Matt Miller, the lead NFL Draft writer for Bleacher Report.

JustNeedMe81 · Oct 8, 2015

I'm real glad OJ is doing great job so far.

TIDE-HSV · Oct 8, 2015

Frankly, I'm puzzled a bit. In his presser after the game, Coach talked about putting a backup OL in for OJ when it's an obvious running situation. "Improved blocking" doesn't equate to the 2nd best TE in the country. I've always thought of him as primarily a receiver...

CoolBreeze · Oct 8, 2015

All I know is that he is one heck of a secret weapon. I am sure there are some plays down the road with him penciled in as the primary receiver designed to catch the opponent flat footed. It could be this weekend, against TAMU next week or the corndogs but as soon as the coaches see what they like during a tight game - BAM! There he goes...

Nolan · Oct 8, 2015

I'm glad this thread popped up, because I was wondering the other day about his production. CLK can scheme with the best of them, and get his playmakers the ball. So it confuses me a little that this isn't happening with OJH.

TIDE-HSV · Oct 8, 2015

Nolan said:
I'm glad this thread popped up, because I was wondering the other day about his production. CLK can scheme with the best of them, and get his playmakers the ball. So it confuses me a little that this isn't happening with OJH.

True. He's a terrible mismatch for any normal-sized CB...

tidefanbeezer · Oct 8, 2015

TIDE-HSV said:
Frankly, I'm puzzled a bit. In his presser after the game, Coach talked about putting a backup OL in for OJ when it's an obvious running situation. "Improved blocking" doesn't equate to the 2nd best TE in the country. I've always thought of him as primarily a receiver...

It all depends on what he improved from and how he compares to other TEs across the country. I think the "second best" piece includes his pass catching ability, which is pretty dang good.

As far as improvement, when you didn't block much at all last year, any blocking you do this year will be considered "improved".

Tiderollin32 · Oct 8, 2015

I feel like OJ is going to be one of those players that end up playing better in the NFL than they did in college. He'll get great coaching once he's there and he'll be utilized more based on his athletic abilities rather than the scheme he's in.

fundytide · Oct 8, 2015

If his blocking really is that much improved this year, this weekend might be his breakout game. With the size of the Hogs' DEs, Bama's run game will need good blocking at TE and Arkansas is small in the secondary so he would really be a mismatch with the ball in his hands in space.

B1GTide · Oct 8, 2015

Saban should try to wrestle Mike Denbrock away from Notre Dame. Awesome TE & OL coach.

bamamc1 · Oct 8, 2015

We're one of only a handful of teams who actually use a true tight end.

uafan4life · Oct 8, 2015

TIDE-HSV said:
Frankly, I'm puzzled a bit. In his presser after the game, Coach talked about putting a backup OL in for OJ when it's an obvious running situation. "Improved blocking" doesn't equate to the 2nd best TE in the country. I've always thought of him as primarily a receiver...

I think the operative word there is "obvious" - in that the offense is going to run the ball, the defense knows that the offense is going to run it, and the offense knows that the defense knows it.

If an outside rusher doesn't have to stay a little honest, honoring Howard's receiving ability, then Howard's length and speed become a liability as opposed to a strength.

Howard's blocking prowess would be best displayed when he's able to get a step on the potential rusher, who is waiting to see if his responsibility on the play is in pass coverage or a run fit, and can use his quickness to get an angular advantage to leverage his block - as opposed to just lining up head-on and trying to man-handle the defender.

uafan4life · Oct 8, 2015

TIDE-HSV said:
True. He's a terrible mismatch for any normal-sized CB...

Well, at least as long as he extends and goes up to get the ball at its high point. :-/

fundytide · Oct 8, 2015

uafan4life said:
Howard's blocking prowess would be best displayed when he's able to get a step on the potential rusher, who is waiting to see if his responsibility on the play is in pass coverage or a run fit, and can use his quickness to get an angular advantage to leverage his block - as opposed to just lining up head-on and trying to man-handle the defender.

Good point. Greene is a better fit for the latter.

JustNeedMe81 · Oct 8, 2015

To be fair, I dont think Howard has ran crisp routes.. time to time...

InsaneMustang · Oct 8, 2015

I think this may be a card we're keeping up or sleeve for right now. I don't know why we haven't shown it yet, or when we will, but I think it's in the playing hand.

JDCrimson · Oct 8, 2015

InsaneMustang said:
I think this may be a card we're keeping up or sleeve for right now. I don't know why we haven't shown it yet, or when we will, but I think it's in the playing hand.

I dont think this is a card we have been holding back. I think the inconsistency of the OL through the first 4 games of the season probably required the TE to stay in and provide pass blocking support. Coach did mention a couple of games ago about having to keep some extra people in to protect the QB. Now, if we continue to see the OL improve their consistency I think we do see more TE focused passes.

Nolan · Oct 8, 2015

I say bring in Ball, whomever, to block and split OJH out wide - consistently. Then let's see what he can do.

TIDE-HSV · Oct 8, 2015

uafan4life said:
Well, at least as long as he extends and goes up to get the ball at its high point. :-/

I think he's learned a lot on that account...

dadleyblane5 · Oct 9, 2015

He needs to get the ball more.....Period.

Link: Why OJ Howard is Playing Better Than You May Think

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