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Xavien Howard – November 4, 2021 Download PDF version

Thursday, November 4, 2021

CB Xavien Howard

(Did you know that you weren’t going anywhere? Like when we talked to you, did you know that you weren’t going anywhere?) – “I just play football. I don’t make those decisions. I’m here today so that’s a blessing.”

(What’s the mood of the defense? I know that you guys had a really strong first half, first two quarters against the Bills and things didn’t go your way in the fourth quarter. But what’s the mood? Are you guys trying to take some of the successes from that first half against the Texans?) – “I feel like we played decent as a defense. I feel like even though we didn’t win the game, I feel like the defense did a lot of good things, especially against an explosive offense like the Bills. We just got to keep getting better each day and just go out there, try to do our jobs and do the best of it.”

(The Texans announced that QB Tyrod Taylor is going to start this Sunday over QB Davis Mills. How much does that change your gameplan and as a cornerback, how does that change the way you’re approaching the game?) – “Oh Tyrod man, he’s been in the league a couple years. I feel like he’s done a lot of great things. One thing when I think about Tyrod, people sleep on him. I feel like he also can throw the ball with the running that he can do. Extending plays and stuff like that, just staying on my guy will be the key for that.”

(You called it a blessing that you’re still here. The team obviously is 1-7. A lot of guys would be thinking.) – “A lot of guys at home, also. Just being in this position, being able to play football is something I love to do. It’s a blessing.”

(What gives you hope that the direction of the team can change course? Not just the rest of the season but over the coming years here?) – “All three phases got to bring the best of their games. We haven’t done that. Some days it’s offense, some days it’s defense and special teams. I feel like we got a great thing. We just ain’t never get that time just to really everybody do their job on all three phases.”

(One of your first breakout games was against the Patriots on a Monday Night Game when you were going up against WR Brandin Cooks a couple of times. What do you remember about going against him?) – “I had a breakout game before that and it was Denver.”

(I said one of your first breakout games. What do you remember from that?) – “I do remember. It was a Monday Night Game. I did my thing that night. I’m sure he remembers that night also, so you know he’s going to come in and give me his best and I’m expecting the best from me also.”

(You’re hoping to be matched up one-on-one against him most of the game?) – “It don’t matter who it is. I’ve got to do my job.”

(When you defend players with that much speed, what’s your mindset in terms of not letting them get behind you?) – “My mindset is using the right technique against speed guys. Being physical and I’d say just keeping everything in front of you and not behind you.”

(You’ve been playing through a few injuries. How do you feel now compared to a week or two ago? Is it better?) – “Yeah, I feel great. A lot of guys fight through injuries that people don’t notice and they just out there playing. You’re never 100 percent playing this game. You just have to have a strong mindset and go out there and do your job the best you can do it.”

(You’re a Houston guy. Does it mean something to you playing against your hometown team?) – “No, not really. I just want to win really.”

(Who did you grow up rooting for?) – “(Laughter) Not Houston. Dallas.”

(So like when you in Texas you got to, it’s hard to be nothing but a Cowboy fan?) – “It’s not hard to be a Cowboy fan when you Texas. But it’s like, what does everybody talk about when you go to Texas?”

(The Cowboys.) – “Cowboys. Houston? (Laughter) Nothing against that organization though, but the Dallas Cowboys are the team growing up in Texas.”

(Were the Texans even a franchise yet when you started getting into football?) – “No, I think it was still the Houston Oilers at that time.”

(There were some years when there wasn’t any team there.) – “I don’t remember that (Laughter). I’m ’93, that’s before my time.”

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