Why is OJ not being used?

[CoolBreeze]

There are two reason's OJ is not targeted as some would expect - Ridley and Stewart, in that order. Kiffin knew what we had in Coop and targeted him almost exclusively because the dude was clutch. Ridley is this year's version of clutch with Stewart playing a key as well.

 

[gamersfuel]

OJ is still getting used to playing with guys just as big, strong and fast as he is.

 

[dadleyblane5]

I think we see a lot more of OJ in the next two games.

 

[drwho]

Ridley is this year's version of clutch

with a few drops, though.

 

[Tidetwin]

OJ is still getting used to playing with guys just as big, strong and fast as he is.

He must be a deliberate learner.

 

[bama579]

Is it fair to say - and not player bashing - that OJ simply hasn't been productive ? Too many instances such as the wide-open, in his hands, drop against Florida.

 

[Ole Man Dan]

Howard is inconsistent at times....

I remember years ago when receivers hands were gooey with 'Stick-um'. Outlawed.
It would help some guys thou.

 

[B1GTide]

I remember years ago when receivers hands were gooey with 'Stick-um'. Outlawed.
It would help some guys thou.

These new gloves are as good as that stuff. Try on a pair some day. The gloves are what makes it possible for Odell Beckham Jr. to make those one handed catches in the NFL.

 

[tidegrandpa]

O J is doing something the coaches love, he won the Offensive Achievement Award at this years team banquet,

Offensive Achievement Award
To the player who has played a critical role in the effectiveness of this unit
Jake Coker, O.J. Howard, Calvin Ridley, ArDarius Stewart

 

[CrimsonTitles]

While, I agree he could be used a little more, I think there are a few people we could say that about. Earlier this season, I was wondering why Stewart was being targeted so often, as it didnt look like he and Coker were ever on the same page, but he's been impressive of late. CNS and CLK know what they're doing.

With all that said, when Howard has gotten looks, I haven't been impressed. I honestly didn't think he had as many receptions as he did.

 

[MOAN]

Why is OJ not being used?? I can't keep enough OJ around my house for the wife's vodka, getting plenty used around here!! I can understand him dropping a pass here and there. It shock's him so much when a pass finally gets thrown to him he drops it!!

On another note...I woke up in a cold sweat the other night from a dream that Lane Kiffin was the super secret coach in waiting at Bama for when coach Saban goes back to the pro's!!! I did have a little temperature, fever.

 

[Matt0424]

I haven't read the entire thread, so I apologize if I am rehashing. Here are the three biggest factors I see.

1. Coker's progression through his targets have been very hurried a lot of times. He also tends to not make it through all progressions because of...

2. The emergence of Ridley and Stewart, and the fact Mullaney has been his safety valve a lot. Also we've went really run heavy.

3. He's just never matched his potential. As was said earlier, his route running is poor, ball skills aren't great, and has several drops. The light might come on at any time, and he takes a leap...or he might blossom in the NFL. There's also the possibility this is the best OJ we ever see (I don't think it is fwiw).

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

 

[BamaJama17]

His last TD catch was on 11/9/13 against LSU....it was also his only catch that day and it went for 52 yards. I highly doubt he goes pro after this year.

 

[Bama Lee]

Just because OJ Howard drops a few balls doesn't mean that he shouldn't be targeted. Ardarius Stewart drops passes left and right, but he still gets the ball thrown to him.

 

[B1GTide]

Just because OJ Howard drops a few balls doesn't mean that he shouldn't be targeted. Ardarius Stewart drops passes left and right, but he still gets the ball thrown to him.

Stewart is good for a bad route/game and a drop/game. But Stewart also makes spectacular catches on passes thrown into risky places. He goes up for the ball and fights for it.

But I agree that it would be great to see Howard used more in the passing game.

 

[willie52]

Talking about drop passes reminds me of the phrase "don't throw it to stone hands" and I have to laugh. Nothing against the two young men mentioned, it strikes me funny all the time. We know the outcome of that movie so improvement is not out of the question and AS will get a rise out of me for missing one and then come back and make one or more outstanding plays and I'll just sit down and shut up. :biggrin2:

 

[bamaslammer]

I realize Howard has improved dramatically as a football player. He's caught more balls, his blocking has improved. I also realize he would get drafted due to his measurables should he choose to go pro. but TE is not like RB, they have long careers. He really needs another year of development because they don't develop players in the NFL, they just cut the least awesome ones.

 

[TNElephantitis]

Liked how we utilized OJ in this game.