Bengals Seek Defensive Salvation but Miss Out on Xavien Howard
The Cincinnati Bengals, amid mounting defensive woes, recently made headlines by attempting to court one of the NFL's premier cornerbacks, Xavien Howard. However, the flirtation with the seasoned veteran and four-time Pro Bowler did not culminate in an agreement, leaving the Bengals still in search of much-needed defensive fortification.
Howard found himself on the market following his release by the Miami Dolphins earlier this year. Renowned for leading the league in interceptions twice during his stint with the Dolphins, Howard's availability presented a tantalizing prospect for the Bengals, who are grappling with significant defensive challenges this season.
Defensive Troubles in Cincinnati
Currently, Cincinnati's defense has faced intense scrutiny. The unit ranks seventh in the NFL for most points allowed per game, surrendering an average of 26.2 points. This defensive frailty was starkly evident during their Week 10 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, a game that underscored their issues and amplified calls for reinforcements.
The Bengals' cornerbacks, particularly Cam Taylor-Britt and Josh Newton, have come under the microscope as key contributors to these struggles. The defensive backfield's inconsistency has often left the team vulnerable, prompting the Bengals' management to explore options like Howard to bolster their ranks.
Howard's Unmatched Track Record
Xavien Howard's track record speaks volumes. During his tenure with Miami from 2016 to 2023, Howard became a defensive powerhouse, with 2020 being a standout year. He not only recorded a career-high 10 interceptions but also led the league with an impressive 20 deflections. Despite these accolades and his continued training to maintain peak condition, Howard remains unsigned as the 2024 NFL season proceeds without him.
The Bengals' interest in Howard was understandably intense, considering their pressing need to solidify a shaky defense to keep their postseason hopes alive.
Bengals' Current Standing and Future Prospects
With a current record of 4-6, the Bengals are precariously placed in their conference standings. As they prepare to face the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 11, the implications of their defensive vulnerabilities loom large. The Chargers game might offer a reprieve—or further exposé—before the Bengals enter their bye week immediately afterward. This crucial period could provide Cincinnati time to recalibrate their defensive strategies, should they again enter discussions with available free agents.
The absence of a deal with Howard does not equate to a missed opportunity alone but highlights the Bengals' ongoing pursuit for defensive sustainability. Their management appears committed to seeking necessary enhancements to contend at the top level. As Howard continues training independently, an open question remains whether his future could intersect once more with a team clearly in need of his expertise.
Bengals fans, meanwhile, will watch closely as the franchise maneuvers through a season rife with challenges, hoping that the absence of Howard doesn’t translate to further defensive setbacks. A robust defensive performance remains an elusive element that Cincinnati must capture if they are to reverse their current trajectory and aspire towards a stronger finish to the season.
As the NFL season progresses, only time will tell whether the Bengals can find the crucial components needed to mend their defense and whether Howard will soon find an NFL home to lend his talents to, potentially altering the landscape of the league's defensive hierarchies.