Re: Jordan Howard
Posted: Fri Sep 27, 2019 10:40 am
With regards to the Bears, it was a change in offensive philosophy. Not one that has appeared to have worked for them that much, but that's besides the point. They clearly value back that can catch, and fair enough, but their between the tackles approach seems not to be working.JFever wrote: ↑Fri Sep 27, 2019 9:56 amWell. What are you paying where you are buying? There are different people in each league. In dynasty, if I'm a depth rb away from feeling good about my depth, I'd offer a late 2nd or so for Howard. I don't at all see him as a long term answer. The holes both of these guys were running through last night were massive. I just knew I'd see some comments here today talking about how good Howard looked etc etc. Howard isn't creative, doesn't have great lateral agility, doesn't catch the ball great, and frankly, if he was "quietly excellent" like you hint at, why the hell would a defensive team that wants to grind the ball (the bears) draft Montgomery and let Howard go? Maybe there is something there that I'm not informed about. Or maybe I missed something. Anyway - C'mon Dook - quietly excellent is an odd way to describe Howard and one that I have to disagree with you on. I do however agree that right now, Howard is a nice asset for the Eagles to use in the short term while Sanders gets more acclimated to the NFL game. So, in the short term, I feel ya. I agree that on certain teams in dynasty, it'd make sense. But, the long game view on Howard - seems to me - he is a non factor. Long term (next year or maybe even later on this year) - I see it as incredibly likely that Sanders sees more carries, targets, and snaps than Howard. Howard could however retain the goal line duties. Never know.Dookmarriot wrote: ↑Fri Sep 27, 2019 6:09 am I find it interesting that the narrative seems to be that Howard is some kind of stiff interfering with Sanders' clear ascent to greatness, rather than a 24 year old back who has been quietly excellent in 3 seasons as an NFL player.
I think Sanders was the best back in this class and holds great potential (if he can learn to hang on to the rock) but Howard I think is being greatly underrated. His vision and pass pro ability are big plusses while Sanders learns the game.
I understand that Howard is a pass catching zero limits him in ppr, and that the committee approach in Philly renders him not much more than a flex play right now. But right now he's cheap to acquire, can be a fantastic RB2 if Sanders stiffs, and he also happens to be a free agent next year while he's still in his physical prime. I'm buying where I can.
Howard has little value as a pass catcher, and that's a drawback. But his vision and toughness are great, he's got more than enough burst and he's terrific in pass protection. Three years in the league, and three seasons of 1000 yards. Excellent on the goal line. How does that not translate to an excellent RB? If Sanders does in his first years what Howard has done in his the fantasy community will be going gaga.
Howard's skills have real value, and I fully expect him to find a nice home in free agency...assuming that Sanders takes the Philly job (I expect he will, but the list of rookie RBs that flamed out is long).
I'd never want Howard as my RB1, but he has made an excellent RB2 since he's been in the league, and I think he's cheap enough (at least until last night) where you can get a young, talented player at a discount with the chance of a better situation next year. Maybe he's better in real football than fake football, but you have a greater chance at the latter if you're good at the former. I'd take advantage of how undervalued Howard seems to be.