The Toffees breathed new life into an underwhelming campaign last week when they beat holders Chelsea in a dramatic FA Cup fourth-round replay.
Howard now wants them to maintain that level when they return to Barclays Premier League action against Sunderland at Goodison Park this weekend.
The United States international told the club's website: "We hope we can come out on top. We need the points, we know our performances can be right up there with the very best and that is what we need.
"We have got a couple of tough games in the league coming up. We face some opponents we feel that on our day, if we are playing right, we can beat.
"But you have to pay them respect and know that, equally, if they are at their best, then they can get a result against us. So it is vital we reach that level we have done at times this season."
Source: PA
Source: PA