Introduction:
Tytus Howard possesses the flexibility to play at both Right Tackle (RT) and Left Guard (LG), but he is widely known as a Right Tackle, the position he primarily played in college and where he’s made his mark in the NFL. However, due to injuries on the Texans’ offensive line over the years, Howard’s versatility has led to him filling in at Left Guard to help the team field its best five offensive linemen.
This strategic decision was made to maximize the overall lineup and create the most effective unit possible. Howard has shown the ability to play well at both positions, making it worth examining which position he performs better at, or if he is more effective at Guard than commonly believed. This evaluation could help the Texans configure their best offensive line with the greatest net benefit.
📌 Important: All statistics presented in this analysis include both the regular season and postseason for accuracy.
📌 Note: While PFF grades are not the definitive measure of player performance, they often provide a strong indicator of success or struggles. More importantly, PFF’s charting data—such as pressures allowed, hurries, hits, sacks, true pass sets, and offensive line responsibility—is highly valuable for tracking trends and evaluating situational context.
This analysis will use PFF’s data as a tool to assess Tytus Howard’s 2024 performance at Right Tackle and Left Guard, while also considering offensive scheme, play design, and in-game circumstances. By combining PFF data with traditional statistics and game context, we aim to provide a comprehensive evaluation of Howard’s impact on Houston’s pass protection and C.J. Stroud’s overall performance.
From Quarterback to Offensive Tackle: Howard’s Unconventional Path
The transition wasn’t immediately clear to Howard. Initially recruited at 220 pounds, he didn’t fully realize the coaches' plan to shift him to the offensive line. To help ease the transition, they mentioned the possibility of him playing tight end, but they soon moved him directly to offensive tackle, recognizing his potential to excel at the position. During this journey, Howard gained nearly 100 pounds, showing a significant commitment to his new role.
In college, Howard played Right Tackle to protect the blind side of a left-handed quarterback, which is the opposite of the traditional setup for a right-handed QB. This context is important because most premier tackles in the NFL play Left Tackle, guarding the blind side of right-handed quarterbacks.
This experience developed the versatility that has defined his NFL career. Since joining the Houston Texans, Howard has shifted between Right Tackle and Left Guard multiple times, often to help the team field its best offensive line amid injuries to his teammates. This willingness to adapt, even at the expense of his preferred position, reflects his team-first mentality.
Why This Move is Worth Noting
Some may argue that it’s just his job to play where the team needs him, but the context of this move makes it more than that. Changing positions mid-season, especially to the opposite side of the line, is no small feat. It requires adjusting footwork, hand placement, and vision, all while facing NFL-caliber defenders without a full offseason to prepare.
Additionally, moving from Right Tackle to Left Guard not only means playing a less familiar position but also one that is less compensated in the NFL. In essence, Howard is risking his financial future by moving away from a higher-paid position to help the team field its best lineup. He’s also forgoing valuable reps at his natural position, which could impact his growth and future earnings at Right Tackle.
This decision is even more significant considering the financial implications:
Right Tackle (RT) Average Salary:
Top 5 RTs: $24.4 million/year
Tytus Howard’s Average Salary: $18.66 million/year (6th highest among RTs)
Left Guard (LG) Average Salary:
Top 5 LGs: $19.4 million/year
By moving to LG, Howard is playing a position that typically commands less compensation. If he were to continue at Left Guard instead of Right Tackle, it could cost him financially in future contract negotiations.
However, it’s also worth noting that Howard’s demonstrated positional flexibility could negate some of the potential earnings lost on his next contract. Teams place high value on versatility, and being able to effectively play both Right Tackle and Left Guard makes him a unique asset in the free-agent market. His ability to fill multiple roles could lead to a higher market value, even if his primary position moving forward is at Guard.
Context Matters in Evaluating His Performance
Howard’s move is worth noting and nothing to scoff at. It’s a team-first decision that shows his commitment to the Texans’ success, even at his own potential expense. It demonstrates leadership and flexibility, showing his willingness to do what’s best for the team.
When evaluating his performance at Left Guard, this context should be considered. He made the change late in the season, without the benefit of a full offseason to prepare, and at significant personal and financial risk.
At the end of the evaluation, it’s worth noting that a full offseason of preparation at Left Guard would likely allow him to improve significantly, as he would have the necessary time to master the nuances of the position. This perspective is crucial when comparing his performance at LG to his performance at RT, ensuring a fair and balanced evaluation of his impact on the Texans' offensive line.
Transition to NFL Performance Analysis:
With Howard’s background and positional shifts in mind, the question remains: Which position does he perform better at in the NFL? By evaluating his performance at Right Tackle and Left Guard, we can determine if his versatility is merely a necessary team move or if it’s the optimal configuration for the Texans’ offensive line.
Context and Methodology
In this analysis, Tytus Howard’s performance at Right Tackle (RT) and Left Guard (LG) is compared to league averages for each respective position. By normalizing his statistics relative to positional peers, we account for the inherent differences in difficulty between Guard and Tackle in pass protection.
Therefore, the findings reflect his individual efficiency and consistency at each position, rather than the general challenges associated with playing Tackle versus Guard. This approach ensures an objective evaluation of his pass-blocking performance, allowing us to determine his true effectiveness at each spot on the offensive line.
Additionally, this analysis places a strong emphasis on True Pass Sets, which are passing situations that isolate an offensive lineman’s pass-blocking ability. True Pass Sets occur when the offense uses standard dropback passes without play-action, screens, or quick passes that naturally help the offensive line by slowing down the pass rush.
These scenarios are the most accurate measure of an offensive lineman’s performance in pure pass protection because they require one-on-one matchups against pass rushers without built-in advantages. Evaluating Howard in True Pass Sets provides a clearer picture of his effectiveness as a pass protector at both Right Tackle and Left Guard, offering valuable context to his overall impact on the Texans’ offensive line.
Performance Overview:
2024 Season Stats
Position | Games Played | Total Snaps | True Pass Sets (TPS) | Sacks Allowed | Hits Allowed | Hurries Allowed | Total Pressures | TPS Sacks | TPS Hits | TPS Hurries | TPS Total Pressures | Avg Pass Block Grade |
Right Tackle (RT) | 12 | 509 | 245 | 3 | 1 | 26 | 30 | 3 | 1 | 23 | 27 | 69.93 |
Left Guard (LG) | 6 | 232 | 108 | 3 | 2 | 6 | 11 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 9 | 67.6 |
2023 Season Stats (Left Guard Only)
Position | Games Played | Total Snaps | True Pass Sets (TPS) | Sacks Allowed | Hits Allowed | Hurries Allowed | Total Pressures | TPS Sacks | TPS Hits | TPS Hurries | TPS Total Pressures | Avg Pass Block Grade |
Left Guard (LG) | 6 | 234 | 111 | 0 | 3 | 11 | 14 | 0 | 3 | 9 | 12 | 51.4 |
*Final game in vs JAX where Tytus injured his knee is excluded (9 snaps, 0.0 grade)
Combined 2023-24 Left Guard (LG) Stats
Position | Games Played | Total Snaps | True Pass Sets (TPS) | Sacks Allowed | Hits Allowed | Hurries Allowed | Total Pressures | TPS Sacks | TPS Hits | TPS Hurries | TPS Total Pressures | Avg Pass Block Grade |
Left Guard (LG) | 12 | 466 | 219 | 3 | 5 | 17 | 25 | 3 | 5 | 13 | 21 | 59.5 |
Per Snap Ratios and League Comparison – Percentages
Year | Position | Hits/Snap (%) | TPS Hits/TPS Snap (%) | Hurries/Snap (%) | TPS Hurries/TPS Snap (%) | Pressures/Snap (%) | TPS Pressures/TPS Snap (%) | Sacks/Snap (%) | TPS Sacks/TPS Snap (%) |
2024 | RT | 0.2% | 0.4% | 5.1% | 9.4% | 5.9% | 11.0% | 0.6% | 1.2% |
2024 | LG | 0.9% | 1.9% | 2.6% | 3.7% | 4.7% | 8.3% | 1.3% | 2.8% |
2023 | LG | 1.3% | 2.7% | 4.7% | 8.1% | 6.0% | 10.8% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
2023-24 | LG | 1.1% | 2.3% | 3.6% | 5.9% | 5.4% | 9.6% | 0.6% | 1.4% |
League Avg (G) | G | 0.7% | 0.9% | 3.3% | 5.4% | 10.0% | 7.3% | 1.2% | 1.0% |
League Avg (T) | T | 0.7% | 1.0% | 3.8% | 5.8% | 5.2% | 8.1% | 0.8% | 1.3% |
Deltas (Tytus Howard vs. League Average)
Year | Position | Hits Delta | TPS Hits Delta | Hurries Delta | TPS Hurries Delta | Pressures Delta | TPS Pressures Delta | Sacks Delta | TPS Sacks Delta |
2024 | RT | -0.5% | -0.6% | +1.3% | +3.6% | +0.7% | +2.9% | -0.6% | +0.2% |
2024 | LG | +0.2% | +1.0% | -0.7% | -1.7% | -5.3% | +1.0% | +0.1% | +1.8% |
2023 | LG | +0.6% | +1.8% | +1.4% | +2.7% | -4.0% | +3.5% | -1.2% | -1.0% |
2023-24 | LG | +0.4% | +1.4% | +0.3% | +0.5% | -4.6% | +2.3% | -0.6% | +0.4% |
Key Takeaways and Contextual Analysis:
2024 RT:
Better than league average in Hits/Snap and TPS Hits/TPS Snap, showing the ability to limit QB hits.
Worse than league average in Hurries/Snap and TPS Hurries/TPS Snap, indicating pressure allowed without giving up hits or sacks.
Sacks Allowed is slightly better than league average, suggesting Howard was able to avoid catastrophic plays.
Pressures/Snap and TPS Pressures/Snap are noticeably higher than league average. This suggests that C.J. Stroud’s mobility likely played a role in mitigating some of the pressures from turning into sacks or hits.
2024 LG:
More consistent than RT, with lower hurries and pressures per snap, suggesting better overall stability.
Hits/Snap and Sacks/Snap are slightly worse than league average & right tackle, which could be a result of the proximity to the quarterback.
Interior pressures (at Guard) are generally more impactful because of their proximity to the QB, often leading to hits or sacks more frequently than edge pressures.
2023 LG and 2023-24 LG Combined:
The 2023 performance weighs down the overall Guard averages, making 2024’s performance at LG appear even more promising in comparison.
The 2024 LG numbers come from a small sample size, but the improved consistency in hurries and pressures per snap suggests that Howard may continue to improve at LG with more reps.
2023-24 Combined LG Stats are still worse than league average in Hits/Snap and Pressures/Snap, but better in Sacks/Snap, showing progress and adaptation.
Conclusion and Balanced Perspective:
The data suggests that Tytus Howard was more consistent overall at LG compared to RT, particularly in terms of hurries and pressures allowed. However, his Hits/Snap and Sacks/Snap were slightly worse at Guard, which can be partially attributed to the interior pressures having a more direct impact on the quarterback due to their proximity.
It’s also important to note that 2023’s performance at LG weighs down his overall average, while the small sample size in 2024 is encouraging, showing marked improvement. This suggests that with a full offseason of preparation at Left Guard, Howard could continue to improve and become more consistent.
While the data shows more stability and consistency at LG, it doesn’t conclusively prove that he is definitively better at Guard than Tackle. The pressures per snap were notably higher at RT, but he managed to keep hits and sacks relatively low, possibly due to Stroud’s mobility. This indicates a high-risk, high-reward style at RT, whereas his play at LG was more steady and consistent.
Given the context of positional change and the mid-season adjustment, Howard’s performance at both positions should be evaluated with a balanced perspective, recognizing the unique challenges and learning curve he faced
CJ Stroud’s Performance with Tytus Howard at RT vs. LG
As we evaluate Tytus Howard’s play at Right Tackle (RT) and Left Guard (LG), it’s essential to consider the impact his positioning may have had on CJ Stroud’s performance. By comparing Stroud’s stats with Howard at each position, we can explore the offensive output and pass protection dynamics.
However, it’s important to preface this analysis with some key contextual factors to ensure a balanced interpretation of the data.
Contextual Factors and How to Interpret the Data
While these stats provide valuable insights into CJ Stroud’s performance with Tytus Howard at LG versus RT, it’s crucial to avoid overemphasizing their significance for several reasons:
Small Sample Size
The data at LG is based on just 6 games, which is a relatively small sample size compared to the full season.
Small sample sizes are more susceptible to outliers and can be heavily influenced by game context, so the numbers should be interpreted with caution.
Quality of Opponents and Game Context
2 of the 6 games were playoff matchups against much stronger defenses, which likely impacted Stroud’s efficiency and sack rates.
One of these games was against the Baltimore Ravens, known for their aggressive pass rush and elite defense, in a one-sided loss. This could have skewed the averages due to the game script and pressure situations.
The Tennessee game included only 6 pass attempts, making it statistically insignificant but still included in the averages.
Additionally, this 6-game sample included the challenging stretch of playing 3 games in 11 days, which undoubtedly impacted performance due to fatigue and limited game planning.
Offensive Line Performance as a Whole
These stats provide a general indication of how the offensive line as a whole performed, rather than a direct reflection of Tytus Howard’s individual impact.
The sacks per attempt and passer rating should be viewed as team metrics, influenced by the entire offensive line unit, including communication, blitz pickups, and continuity.
CJ Stroud’s Stats – 2024
Position | Attempts | Completions | Comp % | Yards | YPA | TDs | INTs | Pass Grade | Passer Rating | Sacks | TTT | Sacks/Attempt (%) |
Left Guard | 163 | 105 | 64.4% | 1,137 | 6.98 | 7 | 4 | 71.37 | 94.23 | 22 | 3.01 | 13.50% |
Right Tackle | 430 | 272 | 63.3% | 3,117 | 7.25 | 14 | 9 | 69.65 | 88.03 | 41 | 2.97 | 9.53% |
Key Takeaways:
Completion Percentage (Comp %)
Slightly higher at LG (64.4%) compared to RT (63.3%).
Yards Per Attempt (YPA)
Higher at RT (7.25) vs. LG (6.98).
Touchdowns (TDs) and Interceptions (INTs)
7 TDs and 4 INTs at LG vs. 14 TDs and 9 INTs at RT.
PFF Pass Grade and Passer Rating
PFF Pass Grade: 71.37 at LG vs. 69.65 at RT.
Passer Rating: 94.23 at LG vs. 88.03 at RT.
Sacks Per Attempt (%)
Higher at LG (13.50%) compared to RT (9.53%).
Analysis and Context:
Balanced Perspective: While Stroud was more consistent and efficient at with Tytus at LG, he was more explosive with Tytus at RT, showing higher scoring potential but also more turnovers.
Trade-Offs and Trends: This data suggests that Howard provided a more stable Stroud as opposed to a more aggressive one when at at RT.
Conclusion:
While the numbers suggest better consistency and efficiency at LG, the higher sack rate at LG should be interpreted with caution, considering the quality of defenses faced and the context of each game (Tytus also faced some premier interior rushers in these games: Calais Campbell, Chris Jones (x2), Nnamdi Madubuike, Michael Pierce, Jeffrey Simmons, T'Vondre Sweat, and Poona Ford).
The small sample size, challenging schedule stretch, and quality of opponents further highlight the need to avoid definitive conclusions solely based on these numbers.
This data is still valuable for identifying trends and contextual clues, but a broader analysis with more games would provide a clearer picture of Howard’s impact at each position.
This balanced perspective highlights the trade-offs between consistency at LG and aggressiveness at RT, offering a more nuanced view of Howard’s impact on the Texans’ offensive line.
Run Game Analysis: Evaluating Tytus Howard’s 2024 Run Blocking Performance
Run Blocking Disclaimer
Before diving into the run-blocking analysis, it's important to note that not all run-blocking snaps fit neatly into zone or gap schemes. Some plays incorporate elements of both, while others—such as QB scrambles, RPOs, or penalties—are still counted as run-blocking snaps but aren’t classified under a specific blocking scheme.
Because of this, total run-blocking snaps may not always match the sum of zone and gap-blocking reps. This distinction is key when evaluating Tytus Howard, ensuring we focus on his execution within each scheme rather than raw snap count totals.
Run Block Win Rate (RBWR) Analysis for Tytus Howard
To assess Tytus Howard’s effectiveness as a run blocker, I calculated his Run Block Win Rate (RBWR) at both Right Tackle (RT) and Left Guard (LG). This metric measures how often an offensive lineman successfully sustains a block in the run game.
How I Calculated RBWR
Since PFF does not publicly track RBWR, I used nflfastR to approximate it using play-by-play data.I defined a “win” in run blocking as a play where:
The running back gains at least one yard before contact.
The block does not result in a tackle for loss (TFL)
Using these criteria, I measured Howard’s RBWR at both positions and compared it to the league-wide average for all offensive linemen.
RBWR May Be Lower for Guards Than Tackles
It’s important to acknowledge that I calculated league-wide RBWR for all offensive linemen, not separately for Tackles and Guards. This means:
If RBWR is naturally lower for Guards, Howard’s drop-off from RT (84.7%) to LG (75.3%) may be less alarming.
If RBWR is normally similar between positions, this suggests his run-blocking performance actually declined significantly when moving inside.
Since I don’t have position-specific RBWR averages, I must consider that playing Guard may be more difficult in the run game due to:
Immediate contact off the snap
More reliance on combo blocks & interior leverage
Less space to recover or reset blocks compared to the edge
Tytus Howard’s RBWR vs. League Averages
Category | RBWR (%) |
Overall Texans RBWR | 76.7% |
Tytus Howard at Right Tackle (RT) | 84.7% |
Tytus Howard at Left Guard (LG) | 75.3% |
League-Wide OL RBWR | 80.7% |
Key Takeaways from RBWR Data
Howard’s Run Blocking Was Stronger at Right Tackle (RT)
His 84.7% RBWR at RT was +4.0% above the league average (80.7%).
This suggests he was more effective at sustaining blocks on the edge compared to the interior.
His RBWR at LG Was Below Average
His 75.3% RBWR at LG was -5.4% below the league average (80.7%).
This indicates he had more difficulty sustaining run blocks at Guard compared to both his RT play and the league average.
Potential Reasons for the Drop-Off at LG
Playing Guard requires different skills than Tackle. Guards must engage defenders immediately and often work in double-teams before moving to linebackers.
There’s less space inside, meaning defenders can shed blocks faster compared to the edge.
If RBWR is naturally lower for Guards, Howard’s drop-off may not be as concerning as it looks.
Texans’ Run Game Performance With Howard at Different Positions
Metric | RT (2024) | LG (2024) | Total (2024) | LG (2023) |
Rush Yards per Game | 114.1 | 123.8 | 117.2 | 92.7 |
EPA per Rush | -0.15 | -0.02 | -0.08 | -0.18 |
Texans’ 2024 Regular-Season Rushing Yards per Game: 112.3
Texans’ 2024 Postseason Rushing Yards per Game: 158.5
What is EPA per Rush and Why Does it Matter?
EPA (Expected Points Added) per Rush measures how much each rushing play contributes to a team’s expected points.
A negative number means rushing plays generally resulted in lost expected value (which is common in the modern NFL, where passing is more efficient).
The closer to zero or positive, the more effective the run game is overall.
What Can We Take Away from These Team-Wide Metrics?
Texans’ Run Game Was Better with Howard at LG
Rushing yards per game jumped from 114.1 (RT) to 123.8 (LG).
EPA per rush improved from -0.15 (RT) to -0.02 (LG).
This suggests that the offense, as a whole, ran the ball better when Howard played LG—though this could also reflect other factors, such as scheme adjustments and matchups.
Texans’ 2023 Run Game Struggled Much More
When Howard played LG in 2023, the team averaged just 92.7 rushing yards per game.
EPA per rush was -0.18, far worse than any 2024 stretch, indicating a more inefficient rushing attack in 2023.
This reinforces that the team-wide improvement in 2024 run blocking likely helped Howard perform better at LG.
Additional Context on Scheme Usage
The Texans favored zone blocking more when Howard played RT (64.36% Zone, 28.71% Gap).
When he moved to LG, the offense became more balanced (48.67% Zone, 42.48% Gap), with a heavier reliance on gap schemes.
This shift was not necessarily because of Howard alone, but a broader adjustment based on the entire offensive line’s strengths.
Late in the season, players requested a shift toward more gap-heavy concepts, aligning with when Howard moved to LG.
📌 Important Note: Howard’s 2024 LG run-blocking grade included a 37.8 grade over just 15 snaps vs. Tennessee.
If that game is removed, his average run-blocking grade jumps to 65.12.
This suggests his true LG performance was likely stronger than the raw season-long number indicates.
Key Takeaways
Howard’s run-blocking grade at LG was better than it appears at first glance (once removing the one poor 15-snap game).
Texans ran more gap-heavy concepts later in 2024, which aligned with Howard’s move to LG.
Houston’s overall rushing attack was more productive with Howard at LG in 2024, though scheme and other OL improvements also played a role.
Yards Before Contact (YBC) Analysis for Tytus Howard
Important Disclaimer: Understanding My YBC Calculation
The Yards Before Contact (YBC) numbers in this analysis are calculated using publicly available play-by-play data from nflfastR. My methodology differs from PFF’s manual charting, which records exactly where defenders initiate contact. Because of this, my numbers may appear higher than traditional YBC figures.
However, while the absolute values may differ, the relative comparisons between positions (Right Tackle vs. Left Guard) and individual performances remain meaningful. This allows me to assess Howard’s effectiveness in creating running lanes, even if the raw YBC figures do not match PFF’s older data.
📊 Tytus Howard’s YBC vs. League Averages
Category | YBC (Yards Before Contact per Attempt) |
Tytus Howard at Right Tackle (RT) | 5.62 YBC |
Tytus Howard at Left Guard (LG) | 4.29 YBC |
NFL League Average (All OL) | 4.44 YBC |
Key Takeaways: What the Data Tells Me
Runs Behind Howard at RT Had More Open Space Before Contact
5.62 YBC at RT was +1.18 yards above the NFL average (4.44), suggesting stronger lane creation in space.
This aligns with the Texans favoring zone runs when Howard was at Right Tackle, a scheme known for creating larger cutback lanes.
Zone blocking naturally lends itself to higher YBC numbers because defenders are forced to flow laterally, often delaying contact.
Howard’s YBC at LG (4.29) Was Slightly Below League Average (4.44)
This small drop-off suggests that defenders engaged with runners earlier on inside runs compared to outside ones.
It’s worth noting that playing Guard generally involves more immediate contact, especially in gap-blocking schemes, where linemen attack defenders rather than flow laterally.
Possible Influence of Scheme Adjustments
The Texans shifted toward more gap blocking late in the season, which also coincided with Howard moving to LG.
This could mean the YBC difference was influenced by scheme adjustments rather than Howard’s individual play.
Removing his Week 17 game vs. Tennessee (15 snaps, 37.8 run-blocking grade) raises his LG YBC to 4.72, which would be above the NFL average (4.44).
What This Means for Howard’s Run-Blocking Performance
Howard’s run-blocking performance at RT (5.62 YBC) stands out as effective, aligning with the Texans’ zone-heavy run approach when he was at tackle.
His LG YBC (4.29) was slightly below the league average, but not alarmingly so, and adjusting for the Tennessee game would place him above the league mark.
Scheme context is crucial—the Texans favored zone at RT but shifted toward gap blocking when Howard moved to LG, impacting YBC results.
Conclusion: Why Tytus Howard Should Be the Texans’ Left Guard in 2024
After digging deep into Tytus Howard’s performance at both Right Tackle (RT) and Left Guard (LG), I believe the best move for the Houston Texans is to keep Howard at LG moving forward. While some of the statistical breakdowns do not overwhelmingly prove one position is far superior, several key factors—both qualitative and quantitative—support this decision.
Howard Has Shown Consistent Growth at Left Guard
Howard has steadily improved at LG, and considering he has never had a full offseason to prepare for the position, the logical expectation is that he will continue to improve. Unlike his past late-season switches, a full year of development and chemistry-building with Laremy Tunsil on the left side would likely unlock more consistency in his play.
In 2023, Howard’s run-blocking grades at LG were well below average (49.6).
In 2024, his LG run-blocking grades jumped to 60.56—a clear sign of progress.
If I remove one poor 15-snap outing vs. Tennessee (37.8 grade), his LG run-blocking grade jumps to 65.12—which would make it one of his best seasons run-blocking at any position.
The Offense Performed Better With Howard at LG
This decision isn’t just about Howard himself—it’s about what puts the Texans in the best position to succeed as an offense. When Howard played Left Guard, Houston’s offense functioned at a higher level in both the passing and running game:
Metric | RT (2024) | LG (2024) | Total (2024) | LG (2023) |
Rush Yards per Game | 114.1 | 123.8 | 117.2 | 92.7 |
EPA per Rush | -0.15 | -0.02 | -0.08 | -0.18 |
The Texans ran for 9.7 more yards per game when Howard was at LG compared to RT.
Houston’s EPA per rush improved significantly (-0.02 vs. -0.15 at RT).
The team transitioned to more gap blocking late in the season, which Howard fit well into.
These numbers suggest that moving him inside helped the overall success of the offense rather than creating a drop-off.
Howard’s Fit in a Gap Scheme & the Nick Caley Factor
One of the most important factors in this decision is Houston’s offensive philosophy moving forward. Under new offensive coordinator Nick Caley, the expectation is that the Texans will lean into more gap runs—a shift that already began late in 2024 at the request of the players.
The Rams (where Caley spent 2023 & 2024) ran had more gap attempts than zone the last two years, showing a willingness to adapt to personnel rather than forcing a rigid system.
Howard has played his best football in a more balanced scheme.
His 2024 gap-blocking percentage at LG was 42.48%, up from 28.71% at RT, showing a stronger reliance on him in gap concepts when inside.
With the offense likely trending toward a more gap-heavy approach, Howard fits best at LG rather than returning to RT.
The Tackle-to-Guard Pipeline & Howard’s History of Adaptability
Brandon Thorn (one of the best offensive line analysts in football) has pointed out how many elite NFL guards were former college tackles. The transition is not uncommon and has often resulted in All-Pro players like Zack Martin, Joe Thuney, and Brandon Scherff.
While Howard’s transition is happening inconsistently and later, the same logic applies. His frame, skill set, and growth trajectory suggest that LG is a better long-term fit than RT.
Additionally, Howard has always been a player willing to adapt for the greater good—something that dates back to his high school-to-college transition from quarterback to tackle. If he can successfully transition from quarterback to offensive tackle, there’s no reason to believe he can’t fully settle into guard with more time and reps.
Final Verdict: Howard at Left Guard Maximizes the Texans’ Offensive Line
Howard’s improvement at LG suggests he will only get better with a full offseason to prepare.
The Texans’ run game performed better with him at LG, and his skill set aligns with the team’s shift toward a more gap-heavy approach.
Keeping him inside builds continuity with Laremy Tunsil on the left side and allows Houston to field its best five linemen.
NFL history shows that elite tackles often transition to guard successfully, and Howard’s background suggests he’s well-suited for that path.
While Howard is capable of playing both positions, the overall net benefit for the Texans points toward keeping him at Left Guard for 2024 and beyond.
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