Tannehill anniversary

DAVIE Cornerback Xavien Howard shadowed New England wide receiver Brandin Cooks during the Miami Dolphins’ game against the Patriots on Monday, and the strategy paid off in the early stages as Howard intercepted quarterback Tom Brady twice and kept Cooks under control.

But in the second quarter Howard was called for a 20-yard pass interference penalty against Cooks near the goal line, setting up the Patriots at the Miami 3-yard line. New England scored one player later to take a 7-6 lead.

It’s been that type of season for Howard, who allowed two touchdowns against Carolina and had two interceptions in Miami’s 35-9 victory over Denver last week, one of which he returned 30 yards for a touchdown.

Howard’s first interception was his third in a five-quarter span.

It was also a play that was a bit reassuring considering Miami was playing without starting cornerback Cordrea Tankersley, who was inactive due to shoulder and ankle injuries.

Howard, Miami’s second-year player, picked off Brady’s second pass when he stepped in front of a pass intended for Cooks, New England’s leading receiver with 53 receptions for 886 yards and five touchdowns

Monday marked the one-year of quarterback Ryan Tannehill’s season-ending knee injury against Arizona. Miami has gone 7-9, including the playoffs, without Tannehill. Miami is 37-40 in games Tannehill has started. …

Cornerback Bobby McCain started at cornerback for Tankersley, who was inactive along with quarterback Matt Moore (foot), right guard Jermon Bushrod (foot), running back Damien Williams (shoulder), tight end A.J. Derby, guard Isaac Asiata and defensive end Cameron Malveaux.

McCain, the usual slot cornerback in the nickel package, played the boundary in the base defense. In the nickel package McCain slid over to the slot and veteran cornerback Alterraun Verner played the boundary.