Miami Dolphins top five defensive player power rankings
By Pablo Rosero
Xavien Howard is healthy and earning his contract for the Miami Dolphins.
7 tackles, 6 solos, 1 TFL, 1 interception, 2 pass deflections
Howard has been the best defensive player on the Dolphins roster this season, he has arguably also been the best cornerback in the entire league this season. Howard is currently tied for first in interceptions, with 6, along with New England Patriots cornerback J.C. Jackson.
Howard also does something not many corners in the NFL do anymore, he is a true shadow corner who follows the other teams top wideout. Yes, the Dolphins signed Byron Jones to a massive deal in the offseason, but the staff confidence in Howard is legit and the team trusts him to make big plays when it matters most.
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Not only did Howard have an interception early in the game against the Broncos to set up the team’s only touchdown, but he also had two pass deflections. While the last play of the game was a long completion on him, it does not show the true nature of how he shut down his man the whole game.
Up next, Howard will draw either former first rounder Breshad Perriman or rookie Denzel Mims. If Howard is able to continue his stellar comeback season, then the Dolphins should once again be able to shut down the opposing teams passing attack.
Howard’s shutdown ability will help push the Dolphins far, and will become more and more important as the season hits its toughest stretch.