Beyond the Interception: Will Howard Deserves Fairer Assessment After Ohio State's Loss

After Ohio State Buckeyes‘ defeat by Oregon, quarterback Will Howard has been the target of a flurry of criticism. Known for his candid analysis, ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum even went so far as to call Howard Ohio State’s “weak link” in the lineup. The question of whether Howard should bear the majority of the blame for the Buckeyes’ loss has been sparked by this critical evaluation.

The main source of Finebaum’s criticism is a crucial late-game play in which Howard, under tremendous duress, threw an expensive interception that decided Ohio State’s fate. Even though this error had an effect, blaming Howard for the complete defeat is an oversimplification of a difficult and intricate game.

It’s important to note that Howard, who replaced Kyle McCord due to injury, did a great job for the majority of the game. Howard showed composure and fortitude in the face of an unrelenting Oregon defense, making several spectacular throws and spearheading Ohio State’s scoring drives. The Buckeyes’ defeat was caused by more than just his overall effort.

Additionally, concentrating only on Howard’s interception ignores other elements that contributed to Ohio State’s loss. The Buckeyes’ defense found it impossible to stop Oregon’s explosive offense, and the offensive line struggled to keep Howard safe, so he was under constant pressure. The result of the game was greatly influenced by these breakdowns on both sides of the ball.

Although Howard’s interception was a crucial play, it’s crucial to keep in mind that football is a team sport and that a single play or one player’s efforts rarely decide a team’s victory or defeat. By assigning Howard sole responsibility, the team’s overall effort and accountability are compromised.

Given the high expectations surrounding Ohio State, it makes sense that fans and commentators are disappointed by the outcome. However, it is unfair and ignores the game’s larger context to single out Howard as the culprit. Despite the crucial misstep, his performance under trying conditions showed promise and ability.

Looking Ahead for the Buckeyes and Howard

Howard needs to keep improving as a quarterback and learn from his mistakes going forward. Howard has already displayed moments of genius, and with hard work, experience, and ongoing encouragement from his teammates and coaches, he might bounce back and guide Ohio State to victory in the future.

The team’s overall success should be the main priority, and Howard should be given the chance to develop into a vital member of the Buckeyes. He has proven that he can efficiently lead the offense and perform well under duress. Howard may overcome this setback and make a substantial contribution to Ohio State’s future success with more growth and assistance.

In conclusion, even if the interception was a game-changing moment, it’s important to keep in mind that football is a complex sport where a number of variables affect the outcome. Putting all the blame for the loss on Howard ignores Ohio State’s overall performance against Oregon. Rather, attention ought to be directed toward resolving the team’s more general issues and fostering Howard’s development as a quarterback.