Andy Lyons - Getty Images
8 months ago: CINCINNATI, OH - OCTOBER 02: Thomas Howard #53 of the Cincinnati Bengals celebrates after the 23-20 victory against the Buffalo Bills at Paul Brown Stadium on October 2, 2011 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
When Linebacker Thomas Howard signed with the Bengals last year in free agency, it was hard to get too excited about the guy. He spent all of 2010 in the Oakland Raiders' doghouse, after mediocre 2008 and 2009 seasons.
Howard was signed as a result of Keith Rivers' wrist injury that would keep Rivers from playing all year. Howard eventually took over Rivers' WLB spot, but at the time no one knew if he would be good enough to start for a whole year.
Howard then showed everyone why he deserved an early second-round pick, and looked a lot better than what most expected from him. He emerged as a versatile and tough linebacker; a tackling machine that could also cover well in the passing game.
He was a big reason for the turnaround on defense this year. He played more snaps in 2011 than any other player in the defensive front seven, and he led the Bengals in tackles in five of the last seven games.
But, what does he think the biggest part of the turnaround was? In a recent interview, Howard cites the revived locker room, youth, focus, and coaching:
I think it was a combination of things. I enjoyed being in the locker room this year. And I think it helps that we got younger this year. There aren’t many guys over 30 on our club, and they’re all focused. They were playing better. We’ve always had a good coaching staff, and that really came together on the field this year.
It was tough losing Ocho-Cinco (Chad Johnson) and (former quarterback) Carson Palmer, but it became clear that our collective fate was in our hands.
Howard is still one of the more underrated players on this Bengals defense. He didn't have a perfect season, but he definitely showed why he deserves to be starting on this team.
At the age of 28, Howard is definitely one of the more senior members of this extremely young squad. Howard also said that he "tries to lead by example", which is exactly what a young players can look up to and learn from.
The fact that more and more players have praised the locker room and the youth of this team really shows what a bright future this Bengals squad has in front of them.
0 recs | 12 comments
age 28 = 3-4 year deal
pay him…I would like to see a rotation with Rivers next year….have a great D-line and LB rotation….
ticalcaldwell - February 4, 2012
+1
njbengalstat - February 4, 2012
I love that picture
It reminds me of the turning point of the Bengals season. It also shows the character on this club and makes me think about what a great signing Howard was.
Anthony Cosenza - February 4, 2012
Heard Howard on Rome yesterday.
The absolute admiration and love he has for Zimmer was vast. He really put over why players love to play for Zimmer so much. Love to see a guy who gets it and hearing him push for the Bengal FAs to come back because he believes something is happening here is great.
KSE - February 4, 2012
I heard him too.
Seems really intelligent. Bengals don’t seem to work with “intellectually challenged” players. Notice how many former Bengals are in the broadcasting booth?
KentuckianaBrowncoat - February 5, 2012
Howard, Lawson and Clements.
I cannot remember ever getting such production from any single free agent, let alone what these three guys brought us last year. Hope they all stay in stripes.
keithster - February 4, 2012
Howard is the anchor of the LBs
I love Rey, but Howard certainly outperformed him. Under the belief Howard will improve with Zimmer, I think our LBs will be pretty awesome. Rey and Rivers will be healthy. Muckelroy and Moch are still question marks but probably have potential. I’m not very concerned if Lawson doesn’t resign.
DonMegga - February 4, 2012
I agree
And it makes it awkward, kind of like when a coaches kid gets the playing time over those who deserve it.
quickslant - February 4, 2012 via mobile
IMO
Howard is the best backer on the team,his positive attitude along with his play makes him a keeper
keithp - February 4, 2012
he was last year for sure
Rey was inconsistent and Lawson had a few big misses…but still overall solid play….we have Rivers, Moch and Muck coming back…might be a sweet a___ rotation
ticalcaldwell - February 4, 2012
It's a great feeling
Knowing that you have a good LBing core and 1st and 3rd rnd players coming in to help next season. Rivers can help this unit out, he’s already under contract and it’s not like we’re near the cap. Injuries happen so I hope they keep them all if possible.
Bigcatdaddy - February 4, 2012 via Android app
I like Howard a lot
I really think we are just a good signing or two and a good draft away from a superbowl run.
Shake n Blake - February 5, 2012
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