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Xavien Howard – January 5, 2021 Download PDF version

Wednesday, January 5, 2022

CB Xavien Howard

(I was looking at the play time and I see you’re the only guy on the Dolphins defense who is over 90 percent snaps for the season and also you’ve been able to be on the field. This will be your 32nd game over the past two years. What does that mean to you to be able to show that kind of durability and availability?) – “Man, that’s one thing I said earlier in my (career), I didn’t have that availability, being able to get on the field and being able to perform due to injuries. I feel like that stuff is behind me now. I’m just trying to do what’s best for my team and just try to stay on the field.”

(Is there one or two things you could point to that you feel you’ve changed that has really helped you – knock on wood here – stay healthy?) – “Probably just the way I took care of my body the last two years. Just understanding the stuff that I’ve got to be strong at – especially my lower body. I feel like that was where most of my injuries were. This offseason, I’ll get back in the lab and I feel like I’ll work on my lower body.”

(You’re one of the longest tenured players on this team and after another season that unfortunately fell short of the playoffs, I’m curious from your perspective what needs to change for you guys to get into the playoffs and be a consistent team in the playoffs?) – “I think we have to win all three phases. The other stuff, I cannot control that. I’m on the field and we’ve got guys that are competing left and right. Our job is to try to get a win and lately we’ve been winning but also we fell short of the playoffs. I feel like we got the guys in the room but I don’t know exactly. I couldn’t hit the point exactly what it is.”

(Earlier today in his media availability, Bill Belichick said that the Dolphins have mixed it up more this year with their defensive play calling. I was curious how that benefits you, the individual, and also the defense as a whole?) – “I feel like we’ve been doing that last year also, mixing up the play calling. I feel like the coaches are doing a great job to put the guys in position to make plays.”

(Head Coach Brian Flores was talking about the important role that you’ve played in the defense. He talks about how being able to have you go cover a guy opens up the defense to be able to do a lot of different things. When you hear comments like that from your coach, how does that make you feel? Do you feel like you’re in a good place with the organization? Do you feel like there is a two-way trust and appreciation right now?) – “Nah, I never heard that. It’s the first time I’m hearing that. It feels great. It’s my job. I’m here, this my job and that’s really what it is. I’m just doing my job, really.”

(How do you feel about the future in terms of you and the organization?) – “I’m still a Miami Dolphin. Until somebody says something, I’m a Miami Dolphin. (laughter)”

(When I asked DE Emmanuel Ogbah, he said Patriots Head Coach Bill Bilichick found a gem in QB Mac Jones. How do you view him now after playing him once and with a season’s worth of tape?) – “I feel like he’s improved this whole season but when I first played him in Week 1, when I saw him play and the stuff he was doing I’m like, he’s not a rookie. He was doing some stuff like he’s been in the league a little minute. I’ve just seen him improve and I’m looking forward to seeing him this week.”

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