Dolphins' Xavien Howard has a harsh response to his critics
Players are often criticized from fans and media alike. Whether it's in person or online, players are subject to comments in today's society from all angles. It's just part of being a professional athlete. Many players will act like it doesn't matter to them. They'll give a company line or say something about how he […]
Players are often criticized from fans and media alike. Whether it's in person or online, players are subject to comments in today's society from all angles. It's just part of being a professional athlete.
Many players will act like it doesn't matter to them. They'll give a company line or say something about how he didn't hear about it, or how he's just focused on becoming a better player. Something to that effect.
Not the Miami Dolphins' Xavien Howard.
The star cornerback was asked on Tuesday about people sleeping on him in 2023, and he had a very blunt response.
Those aren't words you often see a player say who's been asked to address what those doubting him have said. But it also doesn't hurt to see a player bothered by comments that are critical of him. It makes him human and relatable. And it also shows that he has the motivation to go out and prove people who doubt him wrong.
2022 was a tough season for Howard, despite making his fourth Pro Bowl of his career. It even surprised him when he received the nod. He had a Pro Football Focus defensive grade of 59.2, a career worst coverage grade of 56.0, and a dreadful 114.6 passer rating against him.
The Dolphins – and Howard – will hope that their star cornerback can turn back the clock to 2020, when he pulled down a league-best 10 interceptions and earned first team All-Pro honors. Howard could have a chance to increase his interception total from 1 last season. With Jalen Ramsen manning the other side of the field, Howard could see more passes thrown his way.
For now, at least, it appears he has the mindset of flipping the script on a forgettable 2022 season.
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Featured image via Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
