A new dynamic duo?
Will Jones and Howard become the foundation for Flores’ new defense?
The Miami Dolphins made quite the eye-opening offseason acquisition by signing Byron Jones to the largest contract agreed to by any NFL player in free agency earlier this year.
Jones became the new highest-paid cornerback in the NFL after he agreed to a five-year, $82.5 million deal in March, roughly one year after Xavien Howard held the same recognition with a five-year, $75.25 million extension with Miami.
So, the Dolphins have committed more than $150 million to the cornerback position over the next five seasons.
And Dolphins coach Brian Flores would love for the investment in both lockdown defenders to pay off during the
With the 2020 NFL season fast approaching, the South Florida Sun Sentinel takes a look at 10 storylines to watch for in a 10-part series ahead of the Miami Dolphins’ first day of training camp, which is set for Tuesday amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
2020 NFL season for Miami.
Jones and Howard can become the NFL’s best cornerback tandem because of their strengths.
Howard is a ballhawk, capable of covering any team’s top receiver, with the ability to pounce on incoming passes when quarterbacks are throwing his way.
His best season was in 2018 when he was tied for the NFL lead with seven interceptions, highlighted by three games of two interceptions each. Opposing quarterbacks began to take notice, ultimately leading to Howard’s first Pro Bowl appearance. and beyond
Jones may not have the most ideal interception numbers in his career with just two in five seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, but comes to Miami with a reputation for blanketing receivers in coverage.
Jones has 44 career pass deflections, highlighted by 14 during the 2018 season, which also resulted in a Pro Bowl accolade. He gave up only three touchdowns and allowed quarterbacks to complete just 53% of passes thrown his way last season.
Together, Jones and Howard on the field could help other players on the Dolphins defense thrive.
With Jones and Howard covering two of an opposing team’s best receiving targets during games, quarterbacks could hold onto the football longer than anticipated looking for open targets.
In turn, the Dolphins defensive linemen would ideally have more time to get to the quarterback to help improve the team’s league-low total of 23 sacks last season.
Newcomers like Kyle Van Noy, Shaq Lawson, Emmanuel Ogbah and rookie Raekwon Davis could help returning Dolphins like Christian Wilkins, Davon Godchaux, Vince Biegel and Andrew Van Ginkel with their pass rushing.
Other Dolphins defenders like linebackers Jerome Baker and Raekwon McMillan can narrow in on either rushing the passer or defending tight ends and running backs in coverage.
Safeties like Eric Rowe, Bobby McCain, Steven Parker and Kavon Frazier can either man the middle or drift off toward one side to help Jones or Howard if necessary.
The onus will be on potential nickel cornerbacks/ safeties like Nick Needham, Jamal Perry, rookies Noah Igbinoghene and Brandon Jones, and roster hopefuls like Ryan Lewis, Tae Hayes, Ken Webster, Nate Brooks to carve out roles they can excel in to keep Flores’ defense multiple.
Jones and Howard could help the Dolphins develop a contending secondary in the NFL that helps Miami keep points off the scoreboard and create better field position for the offense.
It may seem like a lot of responsibility for Jones and Howard, but they will be well compensated to positively affect the Dolphins defense.