Is Howard back? Here’s 1 sign he might be
Cornerback tied for NFL lead in interceptions (3)
Miami Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard may not have a real-life health meter — like the ones you see on the top of the screen while playing video games like Street Fighter or Mortal Kombat — that could indicate how well his left knee is progressing.
Based on Howard’s play through the first five games of the season, it may be trending in the right direction.
Howard, whohas seenan increase in playing time and is tied for the NFL lead with three interceptions, appears to be back at full strength.
“I feel great about just being back,” the defensive cornerstone said this week as the Dolphins (2-3) prepare to host the New York Jets (0-5) on Sunday.
“With my play, I’m just focused on getting better each week, week in and week out, and really just focused on whatever I’m weak atmy position— what I lacked at last year.”
Howard, who had an arthroscopic knee procedure last December and was sidelined in training camp while on the physically-unable-to-perform list and COVID-19 list in August, has worked his way back into form.
That’s an encouraging sign for Howard, who has undergone three knee procedures since being Miami’s second-round pick in 2017, and the Dolphins, who are paying him $13.3 million this season in the second year of a five-year, $75 million extension he signed in 2019.
Howard started the season playing in less than half of Miami’s defensive snaps (42 percent) in the season opener, and quickly saw his playing time increased to nearly every defensive snap in Weeks 2-4.
He played 84 percent of the team’s defensive snaps against the San Francisco 49ers last Sunday. That game marked the first time Howard and high-profile cornerback Byron Jones — the team’s new highest-paid player at five years, $82.5 million— played significant snaps together this season.
As a result, Howard secured an interception on 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo in the final minute of the first half, marking the third consecutive week he intercepted the opposing quarterback.
It also marked the 15th interception Howard has caught since Dec. 2017, the most of any NFL player — even though Howard missed 15 games during that span, including 11 last season.
Howard, who made the Pro Bowl after leading the NFL with seven interceptions in2018, remains determined to stay healthy and be a key contributor for the Dolphins.
“It’s always just be around the ball and find the ball,” said Howard. “So, whatever happens at the end of the year on how many picks I get, I’m just focused on as a whole, as a team, and really just winning games.”
Dolphins defensive backs coach Gerald Alexander credited Howard’s ability to track the ball while bearing down in coverage, which also allows defensive linemen more time to pressure opposing quarterbacks, as reasons for Howard’s individual success.
Dolphins safety Bobby McCain also had an interception before halftime, while five other Dolphins players all recorded a sack against the 49ers.
“The first thing to get it as elementary as I can put it: He does his job,” Alexander said of Howard. “A guy like [Howard], he’s a guy that has incredible ball skills whenthe ball is in the air. He does a good job attacking the football.”
Alexander, who loves to play fighting games with his three sons, offered up the video game health-meter analogy when asked if Howard’s improving health has played a factor in his play.
“Unfortunately with X, I don’t see his health meter,” Alexander said making light of the video game and Howard’s progress. “But I do think he’s improving on a day-to-day [basis], and he has the ability to go out there on Sundays and make plays for us.”