5 toughest defensive players 49ers will face in 2022
By Peter Panacy
49ers tough opponent No. 5: CB Xavien Howard, Dolphins
The final tough player the Niners face in 2022 was a bit of a tossup between Chargers cornerback J.C. Jackson and Miami Dolphins corner Xavien Howard, both of whom are turnover-generating machines and can make life hell on any quarterback or wide receiver.
However, with the Bolts already getting some love for Joey Bosa on this list, the nod goes to Howard, whom Miami rewarded with a lucrative new contract during the offseason.
Howard backed up his first-team All-Pro 2020 campaign, in which he recorded league-highs in both interceptions (10) and passes defended (20), with another impressive effort by logging five more picks and 10 passes broken up, solidifying his third Pro Bowl nomination and cementing himself as one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL right now.
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And, at 29 years old, it’s safe to say he’s still very much in his prime.
Second-year quarterback Trey Lance will have a tough time looking for his likely preferred receiving target, Deebo Samuel, when San Francisco hosts the Dolphins in Week 13.
Despite Samuel’s own prowess, Lance might want to consider looking elsewhere rather than regularly challenging Howard throughout the game.
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