In a strategic move to bolster their defensive lineup, the Cincinnati Bengals recently extended an invitation to cornerback Xavien Howard for a meeting. Howard, who remains a significant name in free agency since his release from the Miami Dolphins, did not come to an agreement with the Bengals. This development comes amidst increasing pressure for the Cincinnati franchise to address their defensive frailties as they navigate a challenging NFL season.
Bengals' Defensive Woes
The urgency for defensive reinforcement is underscored by the Bengals' recent performance metrics. Currently sitting with a 4-6 record, Cincinnati's defense has been under the microscope, particularly following a disheartening loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 10. The Bengals have displayed vulnerabilities that have been exploited by their opponents, ranking seventh in the league for the most points allowed per game at an average of 26.2.
Particularly problematic has been the performance of their starting cornerbacks, Cam Taylor-Britt and Josh Newton, who have struggled to contain opposing offenses. This ongoing issue with their defensive backfield has undoubtedly heightened the need for additional talent and experience in their secondary unit.
Xavien Howard's Proven Track Record
Xavien Howard presents himself as a potential solution with his extensive resume and proven track record. As a seasoned veteran and four-time Pro Bowler, Howard led the NFL in interceptions during his years with the Miami Dolphins from 2016 to 2023. His standout 2020 season saw him secure a career-high 10 interceptions and lead the league with 20 pass deflections, underscoring his capacity to be a game-changer on the field.
Despite his undeniable skills and accomplishments, Howard remains unsigned and is yet to feature in the 2024 NFL season. His release earlier this year came as a surprise to many, and since then, Howard has been proactively maintaining his training independently, waiting for the right opportunity to make his return.
A Missed Opportunity?
The Bengals’ inability to land Howard is a noteworthy narrative in the context of their current season objectives. While the team naturally remains focused on securing wins and improving their standings, it would seem that bringing in a player of Howard’s caliber could have provided much-needed stability and leadership to their defensive rank. The discussions appear to have hit a stalemate, leaving the Bengals to explore other pathways to strengthen their team amid ongoing internal evaluations.
The Road Ahead
Looking at the immediate future, the Bengals gear up to face the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 11, a matchup that precedes a much-needed bye week. As they enter this crucial juncture of the season, the team's coaching staff and management will need to introspect and strategize on how best to address their defensive shortfalls to turn around their results.
As the NFL season unfolds, the Bengals will aim to leverage their existing resources effectively, potential acquisitions on their radar notwithstanding, to make the most of their remaining fixtures. Whether Xavien Howard remains an option down the line or if alternative avenues are explored, the need for defensive prowess is clear and imperative for the Bengals to consider if they are to remain competitive.