Bengals' Defensive Troubles Highlighted by Unsuccessful Pursuit of Xavien Howard
In recent developments, the Cincinnati Bengals extended an invitation to seasoned cornerback Xavien Howard for a visit. This move came as no surprise to those following the Bengals this season, as the team's defense has been under considerable scrutiny. The Bengals took a chance to bolster their ranks by targeting Howard, a distinguished free agent and four-time Pro Bowler. Unfortunately for Cincinnati, the visit ended without an agreement.
Howard's availability on the open market follows his release by the Miami Dolphins earlier this year. During his tenure with the Dolphins, from 2016 to 2023, Howard proved himself as one of the league's premier talents in the secondary. Notably, he led the NFL in interceptions twice and in 2020, he dazzled fans and analysts alike with a career-high 10 interceptions and 20 deflections, topping the league in both categories. Despite this record of excellence, Howard remains unsigned and has yet to make an appearance in the 2024 NFL season.
The Bengals aimed to capitalize on Howard’s proven track record, especially as their defense struggles to find footing this season. A particular point of concern has been the performance of starting cornerbacks Cam Taylor-Britt and Josh Newton. The team’s defensive woes were on full display following a recent loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 10. This has left Cincinnati in a challenging place, allowing the seventh-most points per game in the NFL with an average of 26.2 points.
Currently sitting at a 4-6 record, the Bengals' hope to shore up their defense couldn’t be more pressing. As they prepare to face off against the high-flying Los Angeles Chargers in Week 11, followed by a much-needed bye week, defensive reinforcements would have greatly bolstered their roster. Yet, negotiations with Howard did not lead to the hoped-for outcome. Despite this, Howard remains committed to maintaining his prowess on the field, training independently while awaiting his next opportunity.
The Bengals’ pursuit of Howard underscores their urgent need for a defensive turnaround. They are coming off a tough stretch and seeking to inject experience and skill into a defense that has struggled to contain opposing offenses. With Howard’s availability, it seemed an ideal match, but negotiations can often be as unpredictable as the game itself.
Looking ahead to their clash with the Chargers, the Bengals face the daunting task of containing an offense known for its dynamism. A victory would be a strong morale booster before they enter their bye week. For now, Cincinnati must focus on maximizing the potential of their current roster amidst a competitive NFL landscape.
While the prospect of having a player of Howard's caliber was an exciting one, the Bengals must reconcile the reality of their situation and press forward. The search for defensive improvements continues. Meanwhile, Xavien Howard remains one of the most talented free agents yet to find a new home on an NFL team. As both parties move on from unsuccessful negotiations, the door remains open for other opportunities that could change the course of their respective paths this season.