Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 3 Biggest takeaways from Week 3 vs. Steelers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 3 Biggest takeaways from loss in Week 3 vs. Steelers

TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 24: Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs out of the locker room during the end of halftime in a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on September 24, 2018 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /

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ORCHARD PARK, NY – OCTOBER 22: O.J. Howard (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /

3. O.J. Howard might be the NFL’s best tight end soon

Buccaneers tight end O.J. Howard had a decent rookie season in 2017 after being taken in the first round by Tampa, pulling in 26 receptions for 432 yards and six touchdowns. However, compared to the first three games this season, those stats look fairly week.

In three games so far this season, Howard already has 11 receptions for 222 yards and a touchdown. Additionally, Howard is averaging 20.1 yards per reception through three games compared to just 16.6 yards in 2017. He’s come out of the gates in Year 2 playing like an absolute force that defense’s can only hope to contain.

The NFL has been dominated in recent seasons by tight ends like Rob Gronkowski in New England and Jimmy Graham, who currently plays in Green Bay. If any young player has positioned themselves to take over the mantle as the best tight end in the league, it would be Howard at this point.

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Howard combines the strength and speed of an elite receiver in the 6-6, 245-pound body of a tight end to be one of the most dangerous receiving threats in the entire NFL. If Howard becomes a 1,000-yard receiver in just his second year (which he currently is on pace to do), it is hard to argue a case for any tight end in the league over Howard due to his production and age.

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