A little over two years ago, Miami Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard had the challenge of covering Cincinnati Bengals star wide receiver A.J. Green.

It was a matchup that didn't work out in his favor as Green got the upper hand that saw him put up 10 catches for 173 receiving yards and a touchdown. Howard has a clear memory of the touchdown he gave up to the Pro Bowler in the contest that has motivated him to be ready for this Sunday's matchup, according to Joe Schad of the Palm Beach Post.

“He got an opportunity to make a great play on me,” Howard said Wednesday. “I thought it was a push off.”

Howard said it was a deep pass play, though not a touchdown. But what hurt most was it was featured on a segment with Randy Moss.

“I remember it in the back of my head,” Howard said. “Because I saw it on ‘You Got Mossed!’ So I got a little bit of heat on that. I was like (my gosh). I’m ready this week, though.”

Green has proven to be one of the most difficult covers for opposing defensive backs throughout his career that saw Howard have his fair shares of struggles against him. He will have the previous knowledge and experience from going up against him that gives him more confidence this time around. Howard has also been quite well this season leading the league with three interceptions through the first month of action.

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However, Green should continue to a point of emphasis because of his big-play ability that could see him put together a huge outing against the Dolphins defense. He is putting together another productive campaign where he has 20 catches for 297 receiving yards and five touchdowns, which is second-most in the league. This has seen him notch a touchdown in all but one game this season while recording at least four catches and 50 yards in each contest.

This has all set up a crucial matchup for Howard and the rest of the Dolphins' secondary that ranks 26th overall against the pass so far this season. It could quickly become one of the keys to determining the outcome of the contest between both teams on Sunday afternoon.