We didn't finish the year running 40% gap. We started that way, and as a result the offense was much more diverse in looks and playcalling
And no, Howard was shitty too. He was a much more aggressive runner his first two years. You can watch the games instead of jerking over stats. The run game was an issue because of both the oline and him. We shouldn't change our gameplan to revolve around a guy who wont be here a year from now. He isn't a piece to a puzzle, hes a square peg your trying to force into a round hole.
Cohen ran behind the same oline and average nearly a full yard more than him per carry.
I'm a fan of howard, but he shouldnt get 250 carries again next year.
I don't disagree that he is more effective in zone, everyone knows that, I disagree that we should run zone more just to benefit his limited skillset. The easy solution is to find someone who fits your offense better.
Once again, I doubt I have to explain to you why running Gap is beneficial to the motion/misdirection/rpo/passing game. You can literally watch our first 3 offensive snaps of the season and notice why its beneficial. Howard takes a snap for a dive inside, next play they fake it to the same exact hole, suck up the linebackers, then throw a screen to cohen for an 8 yard gain.
Same drive they run howard up the middle at the goal line, then fake the handoff to the same gap and run mitch to the outside of the tight end for a TD.
Zone is great and all, but you know whats better? Having an unpredictable offense. One thats a mix of schemes. It's what we hired an Andy Reid disciple to do, I'd rather he try to do that rather than cater to an ineffective player.
The answer is clear, keep howard for short power snaps, use him for about 150 rushes on 1st and second down primarily running zone, and draft another runningback who fits your scheme more and can be relied on in 3rd down.