Cleveland Browns’ Joe Haden Turning Season Around At Right Time
By Glenn Moore
Cornerback Joe Haden has started to play well, including the past three games for the Cleveland Browns. Is he starting to live up to this big contract?
When a top-tier player signs a new contract, the expectations of that player are raised and the player is expected to live up to the contract.
The Cleveland Browns rewarded Joe Haden with a five-year contract extension through 2019 worth $68 million back in May, including $45 million in total guarantees and $23 million in full guarantees, which includes injuries.
The deal made Haden the second-highest paid corner in the NFL ($13.6 million a year) behind the Seattle’s Richard Sherman ($14 million), who recently signed a four-year extension worth $56 million.
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Expectations for Haden were high coming into this season, following his 2013 Pro Bowl year and second-team All-Pro nod.
The season didn’t start as planned for Haden against Pittsburgh, New Orleans and Baltimore. In those three games to start the 2014 campaign, Haden was targeted 17 times and gave up 13 receptions for 205 yards and two touchdowns.
Opposing quarterbacks had a passing rating of 149.3 (Roethlisberger), 140,6 (Brees) and 118.8 (Flacco) when throwing Haden’s way.
The next two games against the Titans and Steelers, Haden improved, but was still lacking making the big play. Roethlisberger picked on Haden in the Week 6 matchup, attaining a quarterback rating of 113.7, though Haden had two passes defended.
In Sunday’s game against the Buccaneers, he was targeted eight times, only allowing two passes for 13 yards. After allowing passes of 35, 20 and 32 in the first three games, the longest pass he’s allowed since Week 5 is 23 yards (vs. Pittsburgh).
The problem with Haden wasn’t lack of consistent coverage in the first five games; it was giving up the rare big play in important situations. He’s not allowing big passes and instead, he’s breaking up passes. Haden is living up to his contract.
Also, Haden is healthy again. Coming off a hip injury, Haden started the season less than 100%. Being fully healed, the Browns are seeing the Pro Bowler they were hoping for.
In the last three games, he’s been targeted 27 times, giving up 12 passes for 104 yards, including not giving up a touchdown. He’s defended five passes in the last two games.
Sep 21, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden (23) at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY SportsThe quarterbacks in the last three games are not in the top-tier of the NFL, but to see Haden handle his side of the field is what the Browns want to see.
Against Jacksonville, Blake Bortles finished the game with a 62.5 QB rating when throwing to Haden. The Raiders’ Derek Carr finished at 67.5 and the Buccaneers’ Mike Glennon had a 39.6 QB rating clip.
Those last three games have been against the bottom teams in the NFL, but it’s a step in the right direction for Haden, who will have some big games in the coming weeks.
Next step for Haden is picking off passes, which he has yet to do this season. He did tip a ball to Donte Whitner in Sunday’s game, which was a big play. But when you are one of the highest paid players at your position, interceptions are expected.
Those will come if Haden continues to play well and the games coming up on the Browns’ schedule are going to be big if Cleveland wants to be considered a contender. With those games comes big matchups for Haden.