“Heavy” Victory
October 11th, 2021
“Keep it heavy, Byron.”
It seems Bucs coaches are coming around to a look that suits Tom Brady very well.
When the Bucs didn’t use reserve tackle Josh Wells as a blocking tight end on opening night, Joe was flummoxed. Why? O.J. Howard wasn’t healthy, Cameron Brate can’t block, and the Bucs were so effective with Wells in that role at times last season. Joe had figured the Bucs would want the blocking relief Wells provides.
Since that time, Wells has been a lot busier. And his most activity came yesterday.
Wells played 11 snaps in the “heavy” set in front of Tom Brady against the Dolphins. (He got another dozen when the Bucs pulled the starting offensive line as Blaine Gabbert entered the game late in the fourth quarter.)
With Rob Gronkowski out with battered and busted ribs, and Howard looking very shaky as a pass blocker but much better in the run game and as a route runner, Joe suspects Wells will got a lot more action as the season wears on.
If Tom Brady is going to set a new record for pass attempts, then it makes sense for the Bucs to keep using six offensive linemen if they can get away with it. And Wells is playing extremely well.
Pretty stunning to see Wells get more snaps than Ronald Jones.
October 11th, 2021 at 2:53 pm
No surprises whatsoever with OJ’s substandard blocking. Gronk’s absence is greatly magnified watching OJ struggle. It’s been years now.
He’s sad to watch.
October 11th, 2021 at 3:01 pm
People gripe on VHG3 as a draft pick(as they should), however OJ Howard is just as much of a bust so far.
Tired of waiting. He isn’t even worth anything on a trade.
October 11th, 2021 at 3:11 pm
It would be hard to be more dominating, than the Bucs offense were yesterday.
Was it perfect? Probably not. But I’ve never heard of a perfect game.
October 11th, 2021 at 3:19 pm
Heavy is good…..with Wells in teams don’t know if it’s for pass or run…..and, I agree…..OJ & Brate aren’t good blockers…..but they can catch…..doubt Wells can….but I’d like to see a play or two go his way….I’d bet nobody would cover him.
October 11th, 2021 at 3:22 pm
I personally hate when they do it think they can be loads more effective in other ways considering the wr talent but as long as we keep winning that’s all that matters go bucs
October 11th, 2021 at 3:26 pm
I feel bad for OJ he has flashed some skills since he’s been here but injuries just taken over his career.
October 11th, 2021 at 3:27 pm
OJ has been playing pretty well so far this year, but a blocker he ain’t. I wouldn’t exactly call him a bust as he has caught some pretty important passes, but hopefully the Gronkster will be back after the bye.
October 11th, 2021 at 3:27 pm
title made me thing Cheech and Chong
“This is some heavy sh!t man!”
October 11th, 2021 at 3:32 pm
OJ couldn’t block a driveway if he was driving a school bus.
October 11th, 2021 at 3:40 pm
Good news : Bucs play the Eagles this week. Will be another Win, for the Bucs.
October 11th, 2021 at 3:41 pm
No one should feel bad for OJ Howard. He became a millionaire doing nothing.
October 11th, 2021 at 4:30 pm
OJ is no where as near as a bust that VH was. At least he’s tradable
October 11th, 2021 at 4:41 pm
Jalen Hurts is getting better and better
October 11th, 2021 at 5:26 pm
Brate is not the best blocker, but he did his best Gronk impression vs. Miami. Had Brate not picked up the blitz, I don’t believe ME13 scores that last Tuddie.
October 11th, 2021 at 5:29 pm
OJ Howard is at best the Jameis Winston of tight ends.
October 11th, 2021 at 5:31 pm
How can OJ — a TE for Alabama and a professional NFL TE for 4 years — not know how to block?
How do you work on your profession for 6 years and NOT KNOW HOW TO DO YOUR JOB?
October 11th, 2021 at 8:41 pm
To be a good blocker you have to really want to. Brate and OJ will never be great blockers. But at least Brate does a better job of getting open.
October 12th, 2021 at 1:49 pm
OJ has been very good run blocking the last few weeks, not sure what some of you are watching. I dunno why his pass blocking isn’t as good.
He’s also still not healthy. Obviously he’s not living up to his 1st round status, but he has caught every pass thrown his way except one this season.