The Miami Dolphins and Tampa Bay Buccaneers have held joint practices ahead of their preseason game on Friday. On Wednesday, Xavien Howard and Minkah Fitzpatrick had to be separated by teammates after exchanging words at each other.
Via Chris Perkins in The Athletic:
“Oh, no, that’s not a common thing,” Minkah Fitzpatrick said of the sideline spat. “There was some confusion in the back end, miscommunication. He was a little frustrated by a certain thing. Talked to him, got it right.”
When playing in the secondary, communication directly correlates to success on the backend of the defense. Guys are constantly talking and relaying what they see before the snap happens.
However, when there are players who aren't on the same page, you can allow a big play downfield. that is exactly what happened between Fitzpatrick and Howard when they allowed a touchdown to Mike Evans during practice.
Fitzpatrick is entering his second season with the Dolphins after showcasing his potential as a rookie in 2018. The versatile defensive back combined for 80 tackles, two interceptions, nine deflections, and a touchdown. Fitzpatrick has the chance to become one of the NFL's best do-it-all defensive backs.
As for Howard, he has gradually become one of the league's most productive cornerbacks in the past two seasons. In the past two seasons, Howard has accumulated 11 interceptions, 25 deflections, and a touchdown.
Coupled with Reshad Jones and Eric Rowe, Fitzpatrick and Howard could lead Miami to having one of the best secondaries in 2019. Albeit, the communication between the members of the secondary will need to be improved ahead of the regular season.
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