It seems hard to believe that somebody without a single snap in the NFL will start at RT on opening day. A trade or a signing is definitely in the air before then.
It says right in the article that he does have 1 career start. Rookies start all the time. In '06 we started a LT and C who never had a single snap in the NFL. I still wouldn't be shocked if we signed or traded for another RT before the season starts.
Rookies that start are drafted in the first and second round, not taken off of some bad team's practice squad.
Well thankfully he's not a rookie. My point was that you acted like it would be unprecedented to have someone with no prior NFL game experience starting. Not only is that not true, but he does have prior NFL game experience which you specifically said he didn't. Some guys take time to develop, especially UDFA's who are raw and need to be shaped by NFL coaching. At some point everyone has little/no experience as a starter.
From what I have read, it seems apparent that he doesn't have the kind of problem WFH presents. By this, I mean to say that, most of Howard's problem stems from his poor hand technique. Yes, it is not a desirable thing, but this can be coached. He shows very good balance, quick feet, with head on a swivel and he does not play lost.
I am rooting for him too, but am hedging my bet by hoping we get soemone off of the waiver wire. I see Green Bay cut an OT Herb Taylor. I think he was a Jet before.
I'll tell you what. Without scrutinizing the tape too long all you have to watch for is how many grass stains are on Sanchez's back and butt. If he's clean after 3 quarters then Howard has earned the right to start. Easy peasy and end of story. I shudder at the alternative because really...who will we bring in? Some other team's camp fodder. That's what you are all saying...so we shall see.
Supposedly Howard has very good lateral movement and keeps his back straight up and can generate a lot of power coming out of his stance. His main problem is his handwork, but that can be an easy fix. Wayne Hunter was so slow coming out of his stance and his lateral movement was very slow, plus he was getting overpowered by people smaller than he was on an every game basis. If this kid is as good as we've heard, we might not need to look anywhere else. I honestly hope he is, because I want to see how Sanchez does behind a line where he's not running for his life. With how accurate Sanchez has been this preseason it gives me hope of him having a big game if our protection does it's job.
He's a big body which is good. I don't think he is going to turn heads, but I feel like this guy might be serviceable. At least I hope.. As long as Hunter doesn't start I don't care.
The problem is teams know that's our weakness. They will overload that side and with no real blocking tight end to help him out, we are in trouble. Our runs will be predictable (left side), our counters won't work, etc. Because our run game wont work, we will pass more and will be right where we were last year. Obviously a lot of hypotheticals but everything I just said can happen.
I hope that Austin makes it not only because that's our need but because if he does do good he maybe will be easier to resign. We need continuity in our offense.
I hope (knowing the position is a problem) the coaches give him a little help over there until he settles in. WFH as a "blocking" TE or fullback? It would in effect give us one less person on offense, but if it means Sanchez spending less time on his back, it may be worth trying.
Don. Are you blind or can you not read? It says right in the article he has started one game in his rookie year on the Eagles active roster which was the year they made the playoffs then last year he was on the practice squad with the Ravens who were a drop away from the super bowl.... Not sure which bad team you were talking about.
Only one start, but he has played in four games. There's no downside to giving this kid a chance to start.
