Colts Defensive Coordinator Stands by Veteran Cornerback Xavien Howard Amid Challenges: It’s a Team Effort

Veteran Howard Faces Challenges Amid Season’s Opening Struggles

Howard’s season start has been rough, with his defensive performance metrics pointing to significant challenges. After four weeks, his target Expected Points Added (EPA) of 14.3 as the nearest defender ranks fifth-worst among all corners with a minimum of 10 targets. While younger players are his closest competitors, Howard, at 32, seems to have lost some of his agility.

Performance Evaluation Key for Defensive Players

Defensive Coordinator Anarumo highlights the importance of continuous evaluation: “We’ll evaluate everybody, every game,” he stated. “X is a player on the team, so he’s certainly going to get evaluated. … Not only X, but everybody will always be evaluated each week, based on performance.” This rigorous assessment strategy ensures that players are held accountable and that the team progresses effectively.

Comparing Player Metrics: Howard vs. Ward

In contrast to Howard’s struggles, Charvarius Ward has shined brightly, posting a target EPA of -0.4. Ward’s impressive performance, coupled with Howard’s apparent decline, suggests that opposing offenses will continue to exploit the veteran player. However, Anarumo emphasizes a broader scope: “It’s not just one guy. If you put the microscope on one person, everybody can always finish, maybe, better here or there.” This suggests that while individual metrics are crucial, the overall team performance remains the priority.

Strategies for Improvement and Team Advancement

Anarumo acknowledges that while Howard has made commendable plays, there’s room for improvement. “I think he had some plays where he did finish well, and there’s others where he can do better, for sure.” As the season progresses, the focus will likely be on refining strategies and enhancing individual performances.

As Emegypt reports, the spotlight remains on Howard to elevate his game and defy the statistics, proving that experience and perseverance can overcome early-season adversities.