About a month ago I wrote that everyone should expect Joe Haden to turn around his season and begin to rack up big plays and interceptions. Since then Haden has recorded four interceptions, including three in the Steelers' last two games and two in their 23-17 win over the Cardinals yesterday at University of Phoenix Stadium.
Let's go into how he was a saving factor in the Steelers' win:
Haden isn't the best player on the Steelers' defense with T.J. Watt having 12.5 sacks and Minkah Fitzpatrick intercepting five passes this season. But Haden is still a reliably vital leader on this defense that now leads the NFL in turnovers with 33 on the season.
His first two seasons with the Steelers saw three interceptions split between them because he wasn't surrounded by talent in the secondary to give him the chances to make big plays within their scheme. Now, Haden has that support with Fitzpatrick, Terrell Edmunds and Steven Nelson.
When the Cardinals were driving in the third quarter, Haden recorded his first interception of the game in a moment that exemplified how much he benefits from the added talent in the Steelers' secondary. Haden has zone coverage outside the numbers with his receiver running a streak down the sidelines.
But he trusts Fitzpatrick being behind him enough for him to watch Murray's eyes and jump a short out route for the interception. Murray was moving the ball with quick, safe underneath throws that kept the Steelers' pass rush and secondary from making big plays. So Haden gambled on a read to force a crucial turnover that became the turning point of the game:
When defenses have talent across the board it allows other defenders to get aggressive and take risks because they know someone will have their back. That's led to Haden having several game changing plays in the Steelers' current stretch of seven wins in six games.
He also contributes in plays that aren't necessarily splash moments, but play a factor in other opportunities for his teammates. Here, Haden has to make a stop on the insanely fast Christian Kirk short of the sticks to force a fourth down. It's a solid fundamental tackle that represents everything positive about Haden:
It's also the play that immediately preceded Watt's interception in the end zone that preserved the Steelers' 20-10 lead. This defense has become one of the NFL's best because of the chemistry between all its different contributors. Those splash plays that change games don't happen without consistently disciplined play before them to force opponents into riskier situations.
In recent years the Steelers' defense often didn't have the roster to maintain that kind of disciplined play to create many turnover opportunities; and even when they did those chances were badly missed with dropped interceptions or other mistakes.
But with this new unit Haden has become part of the most reliable defense the Steelers have had in a decade. When Murray had to get desperate, he heaved a deep ball to Kirk, hoping for a miracle. Haden was not only in position, but secured the game-ending interception for a second week in a row:
As the Steelers improve to 8-5 and get ready to host the Bills in a game that could see them move into the AFC's fifth seed for the playoffs should they win, their defense continues to be the point relied upon for success. Haden isn't the sole savior of the unit, but he's almost always in position and capitalizing when the play comes to him, especially when games have been on the line.
Sometimes that's all it takes to be a hero for your team.
MORE CLASSROOM
Dec. 6: How Steelers stop mobile quarterbacks
Dec. 5: Strong coverage chemistry
Dec. 4: Judging Hodges’ deep ball decisions
Dec. 3: Washington gets a grip
