Miami Dolphins defensive player to watch for week one

[DKphin]

[h=3]Xavien Howard — Cornerback[/h]Every week this season, we will spend one day a week taking a look at the offensive player to watch and one day on the defensive player to watch from the Miami Dolphins. For the opening week of the season I am trying to stay away from obvious picks. For this weeks game, we will be taking a look at the only rookie starter on the defense. That player is second-round draft pick and former Baylor cornerback Xavien Howard.
Despite missing most of the preseason as he recovered from an injury, Xavien Howard will be the second starting cornerback for the Miami Dolphins against Seattle. Part of the equation is undoubtedly the talent of Howard while the other part is because of the poor play shown in the preseason by Tony Lippett.

Facing off against a Seahawks offense led by Russell Wilson, Howard will be called into action early and often Sunday afternoon. As a rookie with only one preseason game under his belt, Howard will need to have matured very quickly if the Dolphins’ defense is to succeed in stopping the Seattle’s two pronged offense.

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/miami-dolphins-defensive-player-watch-130039062.html

 

[fansinceGWilson]

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/miami-dolphins-defensive-player-watch-130039062.html

Great!! Since Ds have 13-15 "starters," they'll finish at season's end.

 

[slk018]

It would be nice to be healthy week 1. Parker seems to be made of glass, Howard didn't get much run in preseason so we don't know much about him. Let's hope the pass rush is effective...

 

[IAFINFAN]

My concern isn't so much one person to watch just want to make sure out defense shows up period. Teams just rolled down the field this preseason against the starting unit and that is a major concern.

 

[Dolfan5000]

My concern isn't so much one person to watch just want to make sure out defense shows up period. Teams just rolled down the field this preseason against the starting unit and that is a major concern.

Dallas did for about 15 snaps. Falcons didn't at all in the only game that really meant anything. Titans didn't play the starters. Didn't see much of the Giants game. I wouldn't be too worried once the ball gets rolling Sunday.

 

[utahphinsfan]

My concern isn't so much one person to watch just want to make sure out defense shows up period. Teams just rolled down the field this preseason against the starting unit and that is a major concern.

Really? Last yr, Miami gave up 24.3 ppg. This preseason, Miami yielded 19.5 ppg.

 

[artdnj]

When the starters played in the preseason, they rocked ...I think it was game 3. If we get Kiko and Suh to play like that can we have a shot to compete. If we let their rb constantly get to the 2nd level and Wilson makes plays when flushed we're screwed.

 

[Sons Of Shula]

 

[Avigatorx]

Personally, I'm gonna be watching Kiko this week. I really think he will be the linchpin for our D this year. If he struggles the Wide 9 will struggle, if he can succeed he might be comeback player of the year.

Sunday will be a big test for him. Can he keep Wilson in check?

 

[Eesti]

The biggest test of this DC is going to be if he can get 11 guys doing their jobs and playing together. That all starts with the D-line. A good system and a good coach who can get his guys to stay disciplined will make up for the deficiencies in talent. It's something Coyle wasn't capable of doing.

Let's see if his defensive philosophy is sound. If it is we should be no worse than middle of the league. It will also let the stars of the defense shine.