When the Steelers started their three game homestand against the Dolphins, Colts and Rams, I wrote that Joe Haden was due for some big plays in the coming weeks. He delivered that in the Steelers' 17-12 win over the Rams at Heinz Field on Sunday.
He led the Steelers with five of their eleven passes defended during the game and recorded his first interception of the season. It was his best game, and there's plenty of evidence to show the Steelers can expect more like it:
One of the best elements of Haden's game since he's been with the Steelers is his savvy playing in different situations. He doesn't have to commit to press or play backed-off to contribute. It's vital to know how to react in various situations and still make a play on the ball.
Watch how he trails Cooper Kupp for this breakup. Haden is playing backed-off from a bunch formation by the Rams so that he can avoid any picks or traffic. But once he sees Kupp break on his crossing route, Haden gets on his horse.
By the time Kupp turns to look for the ball, Haden has trailed him to the end of his route and breaks up the pass from Jared Goff:
There's no doubt that Minkah Fitzpatrick has been a huge benefit to Haden's game since joining the team. Having a safety that can provide deep support and take away key routes from other receivers allows for Haden to get aggressive in his coverage.
Watch how that plays out during his interception of Goff. Haden starts this play in a deep, backed-off man coverage on a receiver running a post pattern. But the post is being run directly at Fitzpatrick, and you can see below how well he jumps the route.
This allows Haden the luxury of taking his eyes off the receiver and watching Goff closely. When he sees Goff look to his tight end, Tyler Higbee on a wheel route, he turns off the post and plays the deep ball perfectly for the turnover:
Those are the types of turnovers Haden brings when he can rely on other playmakers in the secondary to back him up. He can also return the favor by batting passes that lead to interceptions. Watch how he perfectly reads and smothers the hook pattern from Robert Woods.
Woods tries to turn outside initially, then tries to fake out Haden to get open for Goff. Because Haden knows Fitzpatrick has his back, Haden can afford to turn his eyes to Goff again once Woods has completed his hook route. Once the ball is thrown, Haden breaks on it and knocks it in the air for Fitzpatrick to intercept, ending the game:
Haden made a similar play against the 49ers that led to Fitzpatrick's first interception with the Steelers back in September. But these are the plays that could be expected of him as a tenth-year veteran and two time Pro Bowl cornerback.
The Steelers' secondary builds more chemistry each week and there's no reason to think they'll slow down. And they've led the resurgence of a defense that has 26 turnovers through nine games, just one turnover behind the NFL-leading Patriots defense.
Don't be shocked if they pass them in turnover production in the coming weeks.
Carter’s Classroom needs your help! We are seeking sponsors for the 2019 NFL season that would be willing to see their brand grow through advertising with us. All interested parties should contact me at christopher@dkpittsburghsports.com.
MORE CLASSROOM
Nov. 12: Steelers' receivers face fixable problems
Nov. 10: Put respect on the Edmunds name
Nov. 8: How Steelers can help Rudolph
