The Pewter Plank
FanSided

7 overreactions to Tampa Bay Buccaneers start of season

By Cory Kinnan

TAMPA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 22: Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers calls a play during a game against the New York Giants at Raymond James Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 22: Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers calls a play during a game against the New York Giants at Raymond James Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 8
Next
TAMPA, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 22: Tight end O.J. Howard #80 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs the ball against cornerback Deandre Baker #27 of the New York Giants during the game at Raymond James Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 22: Tight end O.J. Howard #80 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs the ball against cornerback Deandre Baker #27 of the New York Giants during the game at Raymond James Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

O.J. Howard is underperforming and should be a cause for concern

O.J. Howard is fine, relax everyone. The third year tight end took a step forward on Sunday against the Giants as he saw an increase in targets this week; he finished the game with three catches for 66 yards on four targets.

While Howard has not lived up to the hype he was given preseason by places like us and Pro Football Focus, we are just three weeks into the season in a new offensive system. Howard has double-digit career touchdowns for a reason this early in his career, and the Buccaneers will figure out how to use him soon enough.

It is important to remember that Arians has never been efficient at using his tight ends in the passing game, and that is because he has never had a tight end as talented as Howard. Arians and Leftwich will find a way to get their massive mismatch involved in the passing game as they continue to work out the kinks of the new offensive system.

He was a first round for a reason, and no, the Buccaneers are not going to use Howard as trade bait. The coaching staff and Winston love Howard for a reason, and it is just a matter of time before he bursts onto the scene for the pewter and red.

Home/Bucs News