In a decisive victory on September 24, 2023, the Indianapolis Colts triumphed over the Miami Dolphins with a score of 33-8. Following the game, former Dolphins cornerback and current Colts player Xavien Howard delivered a sharp critique of Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, suggesting that the Colts effectively forced him into a state of panic.
Howard’s Assessment of Tagovailoa
Howard, who joined the Colts just a month prior, emphasized the importance of taking away Tagovailoa’s initial options. “We knew the guy, he gets the ball out pretty quick,” he remarked. “And once we take away his first read, I feel like it’s panic mode after that. And it showed yesterday.” Tagovailoa’s performance seemed to reflect this assessment, as he struggled against the Colts’ defensive strategies.
During the game, Tagovailoa faced significant pressure, resulting in two interceptions. One of these was snagged by defensive end Laiatu Latu, who successfully deceived Tagovailoa by dropping into zone coverage. Additionally, a fumble occurred when Tagovailoa was sacked by nickel cornerback Kenny Moore II, highlighting the quarterback’s difficulties under duress.
Tagovailoa’s performance marked his seventh game since entering the league in 2020 with at least three turnovers, a statistic that puts him in the company of only one other quarterback, Trevor Lawrence of the Jacksonville Jaguars, who has recorded more in that timeframe. With a career-low QBR of 2.7, Tagovailoa’s struggles were evident, as the Dolphins failed to score until late in the fourth quarter.
Game Context and Howard’s Return
This match was particularly significant for Howard, who had not played since the final week of the 2023 season and had spent the previous year out of the NFL following his release from Miami in February 2024. Reunited with Lou Anarumo, his former position coach, Howard expressed the emotional toll of facing his old team. “I barely could sleep the night before the game because I was just thinking about like how I’m going to feel playing against my former team,” he shared.
Howard’s determination to leave a mark in this game was evident as he played 32 snaps and even recorded a fumble recovery after Moore disrupted Tagovailoa’s throw. He stated, “I wanted to put that out there. But as a team, we got the win.” Despite allowing the Dolphins to score eight points, Howard and the Colts aimed for a shutout, displaying their defensive prowess throughout the match.
As the Colts move forward this season, Howard’s insights into their performance against the Dolphins will likely continue to resonate, especially in discussions surrounding Tagovailoa’s development and future as a starting quarterback in the NFL.
