Cornerback Xavien Howard has been on the field for 100 of the Miami Dolphins‘ 113 snaps in the last two weeks. During that time, opposing quarterbacks have barely looked his way — and when they have, they’ve regretted it. He and Jalen Ramsey have totally erased the wide receiver position from the opposing offense’s game plan recently. “I ran a lot of cardio today,” Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin told NBC 4 after the Dolphins held him without a catch for just the second time in his career Sunday. Certainly, the Commanders could have tried harder to get McLaurin involved (he was targeted just three times). But it’s hard to blame Washington offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy for not challenging Howard and Ramsey Sunday. It’s been largely a fruitless effort since Ramsey made his Dolphins debut in Week 8. Over the last month, Miami ranks first in both defensive EPA per play (-.207) and in dropback EPA (-.244). Opposing quarterbacks over the last five games have averaged just 6.4 yards per pass attempt while targeting wide receivers. And Howard has led the way. While he hasn’t had the splash plays in 2023 that defined the early part of his career, he’s likely never been better from a down-in, down-out coverage standpoint.
Passing and stopping the pass is such a huge part of being successful in today's NFL. It's clicking on both sides for this team right now, and here's hoping it stays that way! If the secondary keeps playing this well, this team has a real shot.
Howard is no longer in his prime, however, I will take him over any 2nd best wide receiver on their team in the NFL.
The Bills got us undermanned earlier this year and whipped us. That won't be the case again. Look out Ravens, Cowboys and Bills.
