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Like much of the NFL, injuries have plagued the Miami Dolphins in 2016. Somehow, someway, they’ve played through them and have gotten themselves to a 7-4 record. One player they’ve missed seeing progress is cornerback Xavien Howard.
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The 6’1″ rookie corner out of Baylor University has been recovering from a knee injury since their week four loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Before that, however, Howard started and/or played in each of the first four weeks.
Howard wasn’t spectacular to start the season but he showed flashes of his playmaking ability he showcased against Big 12 offenses. In fact he looked better at times than veteran Byron Maxwell. Before the injury against the Bengals he accumulated 28 tackles (19 solo) and one forced fumble.
The last time Howard stepped on the field Miami was 1-3 and looking like the team from the past. The offense couldn’t move the ball and the defense couldn’t hold their own.
Fast forward to week 13. Miami’s now 7-4, winning in multiple ways whether it be special teams, through the air with Ryan Tannehill, on the ground with Jay Ajayi, or on defense with Kiko Alonso making plays all over the field.
Alonso, however, isn’t the only defensive player holding his own on the defensive side of the ball. After getting benched in the beginning of the season, Maxwell has become a starter in Vance Josephs defense. Flip to the other side of the field you’ll find Tony Lippett, the man replacing Howard at a starting cornerback spot.
Lippett, along with Howard, is one of the 23 players in the Dolphins organization 24 years or younger. Also like Howard, Lippett is a big corner, standing 6’3″ tall.
The former Michigan State Spartan wide receiver made the move from wide receiver to cornerback last season after Miami drafted him. Since then both coaching staffs (Joe Philbin and now head coach Adam Gase) have been working diligently to make him successful at the professional level.
Although a short sampling size, Lippett has played better than many fans would’ve thought. He had his coming-out party against the San Diego Chargers in which he intercepted Philip Rivers not once but twice, both coming at opportune times. Throughout the rest of his eight starts he hasn’t given up the big play that many young corners do.
Lippett has grown into a starter at the NFL level. He’s part of a secondary that many thought would struggle this season but has actually excelled, currently the 2nd best 3rd down defense in the NFL.
Coach Gase and Joseph will both have a this question once Howard is activated: where does he fit within the Dolphins secondary? Will they bench Lippett and ultimately halt his progression to give Howard the opportunity to play? Does either player replace Bobby McCain as the starter at nickel?
Joseph gave insight to the third question in an interview yesterday; without directly saying McCain is the starting nickel corner going forward he implied it. With both Lippett and Howard at at least 6’1″ neither would find success in the nickel at the NFL level.
Assuming Maxwell holds onto his starting role (that’s safe to say, right?) it’s between Lippett and Howard for the CB2 spot in Josephs defense. The other will seemingly move to CB4 and play in dime packages.
From a fans perspective it’ll be hard to see Lippett hit the bench with how well he’s played. As stated before, he hasn’t been spectacular but has held his own. Howard proved to be stout against the run in the beginning of the season which could give him added snaps. Lippett, however, should hold his spot as long as he keeps progressing.
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