Cornerback Xavien Howard Visits Bengals Amid Defensive Woes
The Cincinnati Bengals recently extended an invitation to veteran cornerback Xavien Howard, highlighting their growing concern over defensive frailties this NFL season. Although talks with Howard, who is a notable free agent following his release from the Miami Dolphins earlier this year, ended without an agreement, the Bengals' interest underscores their urgent need for defensive reinforcement.
Howard's availability on the market comes as a surprise, given his outstanding record during his tenure with the Dolphins from 2016 to 2023. The four-time Pro Bowler made a name for himself as one of the league's most formidable cornerbacks, twice leading the NFL in interceptions. His standout season was in 2020 when he amassed a career-high 10 interceptions and led the league with 20 deflections. Currently, Howard remains unsigned, focusing on independent training to maintain his form and readiness for a potential return to the field.
This outreach to Howard by the Bengals is a clear indication of their pressing need for defensive upgrades. With a season record standing at 4-6 and defensive inadequacies coming to the fore, especially after a disappointing loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 10, the Bengals are under scrutiny. The team's defensive unit has struggled significantly, particularly in the secondary where starting cornerbacks Cam Taylor-Britt and Josh Newton have faced challenges. The Bengals rank seventh in the NFL for most points allowed per game, conceding an average of 26.2 points. Such statistics put the defense squarely in the spotlight as a critical area needing improvement.
The Bengals' decision to engage with Howard can be seen as a pursuit of experience and pedigree. Howard's proven knack for intercepting passes and his defensive deflection ability could have provided a much-needed boost to the Bengals' secondary. However, the inability to finalize a deal leaves the team still seeking solutions as they aim to bolster their defense ahead of their upcoming games. This weekend, the Bengals will face the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 11—a matchup that further emphasizes the urgency to tighten up defensively before they hit their bye week.
The Bengals' camp remains optimistic, perhaps buoyed by Howard's visit, as the search for a defensive savior continues. Despite the setback in negotiations, Howard's consideration of the Bengals suggests there might still be room for future discussions if circumstances change. Meanwhile, the Bengals' coaching staff will need to continue strategizing, looking to extract the best from their current roster while keeping an eye on potential market moves.
As the season progresses, the Bengals' journey will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, with their defense being the centerpiece of attention. Whether it's through internal adjustments or by infusing external talent like Howard, shoring up the squad's defense remains a crucial task. How this necessity aligns with the team’s playoff aspirations will be pivotal, with each game now carrying considerable weight as they strive for a positive turnaround in their campaign.