Report: Xavien Howard being sued for assault and battery by mother of his children

Xavien Howard, the Miami Dolphins’ star cornerback, is in some hot legal water.

The mother of his children reportedly filed a lawsuit against him related to an assault and battery incident that took place in 2020.

The Dolphins are fighting for what would be only their third playoff berth in the last 20 years, and Howard has been a major reason why. He has eight passes defended, two fumble recoveries and one interception so far this season, and he could be headed toward his fourth selection to the Pro Bowl.

However, some of his advanced stats have taken a dip this year. When his man has been targeted, he’s allowing a 61.2 percent pass completion rate and a 106.9 passer rating, both of which are worse compared to 52.7 percent and 72.6, respectively, last season.

Miami is 8-6 on the season after a heartbreaking defeat at the hands of the Buffalo Bills on Saturday in snowy conditions. While its offense has been explosive at times, its defense has been suspect.

The team ranks 23rd in total yards allowed, 26th in passing touchdowns allowed and 26th in points allowed through 14 contests in 2022.

Even if Howard’s numbers are down a bit this season, the Dolphins apparently believe in him. They believed in him so much that they gave him a five-year, $50 million contract extension several months ago.

Overall, he appears to be the least of their problems defensively, as they could use better pressure from their front seven. Linebackers Melvin Ingram and Jaelan Phillips have 6.0 and 7.0 sacks, respectively, on the season, but it seemingly hasn’t been enough to hold opposing quarterbacks in check.

Miami has allowed at least 400 total yards four times this season, and it’s a mark the team needs to improve on in order to clinch a playoff berth.

The Dolphins’ last three games appear to be at least somewhat manageable. They will host the struggling Green Bay Packers on Christmas Day before visiting the New England Patriots on New Year’s Day and wrapping up the regular season at home versus the New York Jets.