Miami Dolphins: 3 major takeaways from Week 1 vs. Patriots

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FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – SEPTEMBER 12: Xavien Howard #25 of the Miami Dolphins celebrates his fumble recovery with Nik Needham #40 during the second half against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on September 12, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

3. Xavien Howard was worth the money

It was not a pretty offseason when it came to Miami Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard. It was clear Howard wanted a new contract, and it was clear Miami did not want to give it to him. There were trade rumors for a while, and after Howard posted on Instagram to confirm he wanted out, things did not look good.

However, smartly, Miami caved and let Howard win. Howard had all the real leverage anyways because Miami would be crazy not to keep their best player happy. Their defense needs him, and if 2020 first-round pick Noah Igbinoghene being inactive for Week 1 showcased that.

Luckily for the Miami fans and the actual Dolphins, Miami restructured Howard’s contract enough to make him happy. Howard stopped faking his training camp injury to force Miami’s hand, and he showed up, ready to work.

And he showed in Week 1, Miami made the right move. The Patriots were driving to take the lead late in the game, and Howard showed he was worth the money and headache all offseason. Howard punched the ball out of the Patriots’ running back Damien Harris’ arm and recovered it himself.

It was a big-time play made by a big-time player, and it won’t be the last one the All-Pro makes this season.

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