Cleveland Browns CB Joe Haden Plays His Worst NFL Game
Aug 29, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden (23) during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Cleveland Browns defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31-7. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
1. Joe Haden: Worst Game Of Career?
This was easily the pick for the worst performance of the game. Joe Haden, you are in the DAWG HOUSE. Haden is one of the best defensive backs in the NFL, but he looked like a rookie out there covering Brandon Marshall. Just like the rest of the team, he looked disinterested and unprepared against a mediocre Jets squad that’s going nowhere.
In the third quarter, Haden played just like his teammate Justin Gilbert. Instead of turning around and making a play on the ball, he got beat and out-hustled by the size of Marshall, and it led to the touchdown.
Haden has covered some of the best receivers in the NFL. He’s covered Julio Jones, Calvin Johnson,and has shutdown A.J. Green on numerous occasions, however, he looked completely over-matched against Marshall. I’m not saying that Brandon is a slouch at all, but he has played better against tougher receivers. Maybe it was the first game jitters or possibly the Jets changing the gameplan, but I have never seen him look this bad, and alot of other columnist agree.
Brandon Marshall having his way w/ Joe Haden so far. He's so good in the red zone. 1-yard TD catch. It's 21-10 Jets
— Tom Reed (@treed1919) September 13, 2015
Joe Haden looked uninterested much of the game... All 2nd half I questioned the team's mindset, confidence and motivation
— Jared Mueller (@JaredKMueller) September 13, 2015
Haden also got beat deep by Chris Owusu, who is the third best receiver on the Jets. It just wasn’t a good game at all for Joe. He is the leader of the secondary–and he has to play like it. Some are already saying that he is “overrated” or that he is all “hype.” I’m not willing to go there yet after just one game. I want to be optimistic and believe that it was just an employee having a bad day. Just alot more expensive.
He will have a chance to redeem himself against a weak Titans receiving core, and I believe that he will. Haden will likely be covering both Justin Hunter and Kendall Wright. Marcus Mariota shouldn’t have as much of a window to complete passes if the defense steps up, and plays to the best of their ability as most fans expect. It all starts with Haden and what he does to improve from Sunday.
Honorable Mention: Donte Whitner, Defensive line, Jim Dray, Mike Pettine