Phins CB Eric Rowe is flashing talent… BUT can he stay healthy?
The Phins locked down their pro bowl corner in the offseason by giving Xavien Howard the richest contract for a cornerback in NFL history (sort of, depending on the metrics used).
While this contract was a well-deserved for a high-quality pass defending entering his prime in a pass-happy league, Xavien can only play one CB spot. At the time of Howard’s signing, Mister Invisible was manning the other CB spot…
… or the less the optimal option of Minkah Fitzpatrick.
A major storyline going into camp was who will step up and start opposite Howard.
Has that question been answered already?
Even though it’s early, former Patriot Eric Rowe has seized a firm grasp on the other starting Cornerback position.
With Rowe talent isn’t a question… health is
In his three years with the Patriots, Rowe played sparingly as a situational player. While the Patriots two CB studs were one reason for Rowe lack of snaps, his inability to stay healthy was why he was released. Injuries made him an inconsistent player… and inconsistent players don’t last in New England.
The silver lining is that Brian Flores is attempting to install the Patriot way in South Florida and Eric Rowe’s time with the Pats give him a head start. This head start is paying dividends. Rowe has provided quality throughout Training Camp.
If Rowe success continues and he starts, Phins will have picked up a gem that the Patriots dropped. One man’s garbage is another man’s treasure. We hope. Wouldn’t it be sweet to finally pick off a player from the Patriots roster who can come in and haunt the Patriots?
The best bookie software sources project that the Phins will have a solid secondary with Howard, McCain, Jones, and Fitzpatrick. If Rowe can play well–and stay healthy–this could be one of the best Phins secondary units in years. They’ll need to be if the Phins continue their trend of a poor pass rush this year. This secondary will most likely be forced to pick up the slack in a big way.
If Rowe is a solid #2 CB, Miami is poised to have a very good secondary for many years because everyone besides Jones is entering their prime. But on the flip side, what if he can’t? Ouch.
What are the rest of the Miami Dolphins news fans thoughts on Rowe ending up the long term answer?