After poor game, Dolphins' Xavien Howard must have short-term memory

Second-year cornerback Xavien Howard had to grow up fast with the Miami Dolphins.

Whether it was being a rookie starter in 2016 as a second-round pick or being thrust into the No. 1 corner role following the release of veteran Byron Maxwell, Howard has been in many key spots defensively during his brief tenure.

However, Howard had arguably the worst game of his career in front of a national audience on “Monday Night Football.”

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton targeted Howard, who gave up at least two touchdown passes and an important pass-interference call that set up another touchdown in a 45-21 loss. According to Pro Football Focus, Howard was targeted seven times and allowed five…