Colts DC Sticking by Xavien Howard Despite Recent Bumps: "It’s a Team Effort, Not Just One Guy"
Okay, Colts fans, let’s talk about Xavien Howard. It’s no secret he’s had a bit of a rough patch lately. From the outside looking in, it seems like opposing offenses are deliberately targeting him, and not always without success. But before we hit the panic button, Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo is stepping up to defend his veteran cornerback.
Anarumo isn’t pointing fingers. After the Colts got lit up by the Rams’ passing game last Sunday, he emphasized that the whole defense needs to tighten things up.
"It’s a combination of everything," Anarumo said earlier this week. "You’re going up against a top-tier passing attack with elite receivers and a quarterback who can sling it. At some point, whether it’s rust or something else, we’ve got to make sure we’re doing our jobs and covering our guys. That goes for all of us, not just X, and that includes me."
Howard, a four-time Pro Bowler, sat out the 2024 season. He looked pretty good in Week 1 against his old team, the Dolphins. But since then, things haven’t quite clicked. In the last three games, he’s allowed 16 catches on 20 targets. Matthew Stafford and Puka Nacua seemed to be picking on him specifically. In Sunday’s loss, he gave up seven catches on 10 targets for 112 yards and a touchdown. Ouch.
"Not to my ability," Howard himself admitted after the game.
By the Numbers: A Closer Look
The stats don’t lie. By pretty much every measure, Howard has struggled so far this season. Through four weeks, his target EPA (Expected Points Added) when he’s the nearest defender is 14.3. That’s the fifth-worst among all cornerbacks who’ve been targeted at least 10 times. And the guys below him on that list? Mostly young players. Howard, at 32, is a seasoned vet who might have lost a step or two.
"We’ll evaluate everyone, every game," Anarumo stated. "X is part of the team, so we’re certainly going to assess his performance. But it’s not just X; we’ll always evaluate everyone each week based on how they play. We’ll always look at those things and make decisions accordingly."
The Ward Factor
On the flip side, Charvarius Ward has been playing lights out, generating a -0.4 target EPA. His strong play, combined with Howard’s struggles, might tempt opposing offenses to keep targeting the veteran.
"It’s not just one guy," Anarumo reiterated. "If you focus on one person, everyone can always find ways to improve. He had some plays where he finished well, and there are others where he can do better, for sure."
What Does This Mean for the Colts?
Here’s the bottom line: The Colts aren’t ready to give up on Xavien Howard just yet. Anarumo’s comments suggest they’re looking at the bigger picture and emphasizing the importance of the entire defense working together.
Here’s what they might be thinking:
- Experience Matters: Howard has been a top-tier cornerback in the league. You don’t just throw that kind of experience away after a few bad games.
- Trust the Process: The coaching staff likely believes they can help Howard adjust and improve as the season progresses.
- Team Chemistry: Publicly backing Howard sends a message of support and unity within the team.
What Can We Expect Moving Forward?
- More Film Study: Howard and the coaching staff will be dissecting the film to identify areas for improvement.
- Scheme Adjustments: Anarumo might tweak the defensive schemes to better support Howard and the other cornerbacks.
- Continued Evaluation: The coaching staff will be closely monitoring Howard’s performance and making adjustments as needed.
The Big Picture
It’s easy to focus on individual struggles, especially in a high-profile position like cornerback. But Anarumo’s message is clear: This is a team game. The Colts’ defense will only be as good as its weakest link, and they’re committed to helping Howard get back on track.
So, Colts fans, let’s give Xavien Howard some time and support. He’s a proven player, and with the right coaching and adjustments, he can still be a valuable asset to the Colts’ defense.
Let’s break down what makes this a more relaxed, conversational style:
