The Pewter Plank
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Buccaneers Midseason Awards: MVP, breakout player and more

By Michael Horan

TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 16: Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers walks off the field after winning a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Raymond James Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 16: Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers walks off the field after winning a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Raymond James Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FL – OCTOBER 21: O.J. Howard #80 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signals a first down after making a 24-yard reception during the third quarter against the Cleveland Browns on October 2, 2018 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 26-23 in overtime. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – OCTOBER 21: O.J. Howard #80 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signals a first down after making a 24-yard reception during the third quarter against the Cleveland Browns on October 2, 2018 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 26-23 in overtime. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /

Breakout Player of the Year: O.J. Howard, Tight End

Expectations for second-year tight end O.J. Howard was sky-high this off-season, and through eight weeks he’s more than delivered. Howard has become a lethal chess piece that can line up all over the field.

Want him lined up wide against a cornerback? Done. Want him in the slot against a linebacker? Done again. Want him as a traditional tight end? Triple done.

Despite sharing targets with Mike Evans, DeSean Jackson and Chris Godwin, Howard is among the most productive tight ends in the entire league, registering 24 catches, 419 yards and three touchdowns. That’s just two catches and thirteen yards shy of his entire rookie season total.

On top of the raw counting stats, Howard is Pro Football Focus‘s top tight end in the entire league, a remarkable feat considering how well Philadelphia’s Zach Ertz and San Francisco’s George Kittle are playing.

Look for Howard to continue his breakout regardless of whether it’s Winston or Fitzpatrick throwing him passes.

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