Tight ends see more action in Bucs’ loss
Ryan Kolakowski, Tampa Bay Times, published 14 October 2019

Tight ends Cameron Brate and O.J. Howard each had a pair of receptions in Sunday’s 37-26 loss to Carolina. Bucs coach Bruce Arians said their role in the offense was a product of the Carolina defense. "(The Panthers) were double-teaming outside a lot,” Arians said. “So the middle of the field was open.”

Brate hauled in two receptions for season-high 47 yards and a touchdown. Howard’s two catches went for 35 yards, continuing his lackluster 2019 campaign after posting career bests in yards and receptions in 2018.

“Cam made a nice play on the touchdown and the other over route,” Arians said. “O.J. had more opportunities. He dropped a couple.”

Howard played 60 snaps while Brate appeared in 30 of the Bucs’ 80 offensive plays Sunday. Both tight ends finished the day with four targets.

While Arians said “they were a big part of the game plan,” the tight ends still saw significantly less action than the wide receivers. Quarterback Jameis Winston targeted Mike Evans 17 times, Chris Godwin 12 times and Scotty Miller seven times.