Everton suffered another loss in the Premier League on Sunday with a 2-1 reverse at the London Stadium to West Ham United.
That was Everton's sixth Premier League loss in eight attempts under Frank Lampard, who replaced Rafael Benitez at the start of February.
Everton are just one place and three points above the relegation zone ahead of a pivotal trip to 19th placed Burnley on Wednesday.
Everton finished Sunday's game with ten men after Michael Keane, who was made captain in the absence of Seamus Coleman, got sent off for a second bookable offence in the 65th minute. That was Everton's third red card in the last three league games.
Howard, who enjoyed a nine-year stint with the Toffees, has been left disappointed with what he has seen from his former side.
"I don't see a leader on this team. I see smiles. I see them losing again and I see smiles after the whistle," said Howard, who is a pundit on the USA Network.
"I see no urgency, no one running to get the ball, chasing it, kicking up the pitch. It's as if they're in dreamland that they're not in this thing.
"[There is] lack of leadership. Three red cards in the last three games. You have to basically say to each other, 'We can't even win a game with 11 players, don't you dare get sent off', and it just keeps happening."
"You have to protect your team, knowing that it was a rash challenge, he hasn't been in the best of form," Howard said.
"He's giving you the right opportunity to say, 'Sorry Michael, you're coming off, I have to put somebody on who I know can finish the game'."
