Throwback Thursday: Dolphins CB Xavien Howard records two INTs vs. Patriots
The Miami Dolphins are set to square off against the Tennessee Titans on Monday Night Football in Week 14.
As we take a look back on this “Throwback Thursday,” the last time Miami played a Week 14 Monday night game was quite memorable for star cornerback Xavien Howard.
Six years ago, during the 2017 season, the Dolphins were matched up against the defending champion New England Patriots led by legendary quarterback Tom Brady. Miami came into the game with a mediocre 5-7 record but was still competing for a wild-card spot.
At the time, Howard was in his second season with the Dolphins. The 2016 second-round pick earned himself a starting role in his sophomore year, starting all 16 regular season games in 2017.
It was this game against the Patriots where Howard would make a major statement showing his value as a future star on defense.
Howard recorded two interceptions against Brady.
The first came on New England’s opening drive with the Dolphins up 3-0. Brady tried to connect with wide receiver Brandin Cooks, but Howard covered the corner route perfectly to intercept the pass. The turnover help set up a field goal for the Dolphins, extending their first-quarter lead to 6-0.
Howard’s second interception came on the opening drive of the third quarter with the Dolphins up 13-10.
The former Baylor Bear was, once again, matched up with Cooks, whom Brady tried to hit on a fly route for a potential big play. Howard spoiled Brady’s plans by positioning himself perfectly underneath a slight underthrow for his second interception.
Miami’s offense capitalized on the turnover with a six-play, 46-yard drive which resulted in a 25-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Jay Cutler to receiver Jakeem Grant, extending the Dolphins’ lead to 20-10.
Miami maintained the lead the rest of the way to win 27-20, despite Brady almost pulling off another classic fourth-quarter comeback. Unfortunately for the 2017 Dolphins, this would be their final win of the season, as the team missed the playoffs.
This was a significant performance in solidifying Howard’s future with the Dolphins.
The week before this contest, Howard also recorded two interceptions against the Denver Broncos, one of which he ran back for a touchdown. This two-game stretch gave the rising star a few highlights to go along with his impressive 2017 campaign. The following season in 2018, Howard earned his first Pro Bowl selection.
Fast forward to 2023 and Howard is the longest-tenured player on the Dolphins, who are currently positioned atop the AFC. Howard has been wearing aqua and orange through some down years, but it’ll be exciting to hopefully see the now four-time Pro-Bowler show off his talents deep into the playoffs.
