How good is Xavien Howard?

[spiketex]

Xavien Howard made a terrific contribution to the team in both the Denver and New England games with his four (yes, 4) interceptions, but he has made good progress all season. He is both athletic and physical which is pretty rare for a CB. He is now playing with a lot of confidence trusting his instincts. Opposing QBs will probably try to consciously avoid the prospect of throwing interceptions in his vicinity after his recent success. I'm not an expert but I think he looks really good. I ask the question, just how good can he become? Do we have a bona fide prospective top tier CB?
Incidentally, I met him at a couple of Dolphins events last year. He came across as pretty introverted but I was really struck by his intensity and desire to succeed in the NFL.

 

[Butterfrog 2.0]

He's an excellent press man cover corner. He does a good job of jamming the wr within the 5 yards of the Los, and will stay right in the wr's hip all the way down field. He has good size, physical, and plenty enough speed. What he struggles with at times is zone coverage, but the Entire team struggles with that. Howard also has issues tracking the ball at times, if he has to turn and run he sometimes won't even look back for the ball. Overall I've always liked him as a #1 CB, I was one of the very few defending him when everyone on here was bashing him this season but anyway... It seems as though X is always lined up on the same side, but I wonder if that's necessary because what I'd love to see is a defensive scheme where he shadows opposing offenses best wr's at times, getting in their face and essentially rendering them useless.

 

[Serik]

He looked terrific in these last two outings vs Denver and New England but so did the front four.

Not taking anything away from Xavian but when we finally put pressure on the QB our DB”s have more opportunities.

Regardless, those were impressive plays he made on the WR and the ball.

I think he is finally in the zone and realizes he can play with the big boys. I may be wrong but isn’t he one of a few Dolphins who spent almost the entire offseason training?

McDonald is becoming another nice surprise for me personally in the backfield.

 

[Vaark]

His performance was even more amazing when you consider, as I read on PFT, that he was sick as a dog having come down with the Flu Sunday morning and still not only played, but balled!

 

[finmann]

Xavier's progress is what impresses me the most, he has worked his butt off by all reports and his game has definitely improved. The sky's the limit for this kid. I like the way he jams receiver at the line of scrimmage instead of playing 5 or more yards off and giving up easy completions. He just needs to continue working hard at his craft and he'll be good.

 

[dolfan91]

The confusing part about the defense is both Howard and Tankersley were known press CB’s and play much better in an aggressive defense. But for some reason, Miami has played a softer defense for most of the season asking the CB’s to play off their man. Now that Burke has begun to call more press from his CB’s, we are seeing Howard blossom into a very good player, not the tentative player he’s been for most of the season. I’m perplexed as to what Matt Burke’s thoughts were, causing this shift in philosophy. It’s working and the DB’s are responding. In the case of Howard he’s played lights out, lock down coverage like nothing I’ve seen, in a very long time in Miami.

 

[josephreese]

I've only seen what is available to see on the TV broadcast. In the Pats game it looked like the refs were letting the DBs grab a little more than we've seen, and Howard made good use of that leeway. I'm hoping he can keep the tight coverage going when the refs start calling those little route-altering grabs that last only a moment. Maybe he's learning to be more savvy with that stuff?

 

[CSONKA1966]

The confusing part about the defense is both Howard and Tankersley were known press CB’s and play much better in an aggressive defense. But for some reason, Miami has played a softer defense for most of the season asking the CB’s to play off their man. Now that Burke has begun to call more press from his CB’s, we are seeing Howard blossom into a very good player, not the tentative player he’s been for most of the season. I’m perplexed as to what Matt Burke’s thoughts were, causing this shift in philosophy. It’s working and the DB’s are responding. In the case of Howard he’s played lights out, lock down coverage like nothing I’ve seen, in a very long time in Miami.

It could be Burke is more confident , having McDonald and Anthony out there seems to help. The Dts have also been crushing the pocket making the opposing qbs throw quicker

 

[The Ghost]

It appears he's coming into his own after dealing with setbacks year 1. They moved up to 38 from 42 to make sure they landed this kid. After watching him blanket Brandin Cooks for 60 minutes it's hard not to see why they loved him so much.

He's got more to prove yet but it looks very promising. Consistency is as important at the CB position as any other spot but QB.

No question, this franchise needs a couple young recent draft picks to become great. Howard and Drake are answering the call right now.

 

[dolfan91]

It could be Burke is more confident , having McDonald and Anthony out there seems to help. The Dts have also been crushing the pocket making the opposing qbs throw quicker

I understand, but the question remains. The defense played well up to the 5 game losing streak. Now we’re seeing a more aggressive style, not like earlier in the season. In spite of the defenses play early on, it wasn’t the press man we are seeing now. Howard and Tankersley both had reputations of being press corners and Burke didn’t play to their strength. Who are these guys? Are they the 4-2 dolphins defense, the 5 game losing streak defense? Or this press man defense? But non the less Howard has really showcased some serious lock down talent these last 2 weeks.

 

[Bowzer]

Something also to consider, and the reason why Miami has been playing with soft coverages for the first half of he season, X had a bad shoulder injury. Pretty tough to play press coverage with a bummed shoulder.

 

[finomenal]