The commentary below contains opinion. The author’s name has been withheld at the writer’s request.
Le’Veon Bell was sick Thursday and Friday, sick enough that the Jets told him to stay home to keep him from infecting his teammates, so sick that on Saturday afternoon he was ruled out of Sunday’s game against the Dolphins. But that didn’t stop Bell from going bowling late Saturday into Sunday morning. He still didn’t play in the game, though. He wasn’t there to help his teammates in a 22-21 win. But he accepted his game check, presumably without any feelings of guilt.
Taking a shower to wash off the filth from hearing that story didn’t seem like enough.
A strong dose of professionalism was needed.
Joe Haden’s locker seemed like the perfect dispensary.
“Ever since I got in the league, I took the game very seriously,” Haden said.
It shows in ways that go beyond Haden’s strong performances on the field.
Mike Tomlin and the other players are thrilled by Haden’s splash plays. He had two interceptions in Sunday’s 23-17 win at Arizona, including one in the final minute. A week earlier, he clinched a 20-13 win against the Browns with a late interception. A couple of games earlier in a 17-12 win against the Rams, he had an interception and broke up five passes, including a last-minute deflection that was intercepted by Minkah Fitzpatrick.
“He’s Joe Haden, he’s going to be a future Hall of Famer,” Fitzpatrick gushed.
But Tomlin and the players are just as eager to talk about Haden’s work ethic and leadership on a defense that has become of the NFL’s best.
“Joe is just a quality professional,” Tomlin said Tuesday. “He prepares all the time. He has a systematic approach to that preparation. I really think it puts him in position to have a high floor, to be opportunistic, to be the guy that’s in that spot in that significant moment. I don’t think there’s anything mystical about those plays. I think you create your fortune. He’s a guy who continually puts himself in a position to be fortunate.”
There is more to Haden’s story.
Every Thursday, Haden runs a meeting with the Steelers defensive backs. They do film work together. He makes sure they see what he sees. They talk about how they can get better. They go over everything so they won’t be surprised on game day.
“He’s in charge and he takes it very seriously,” Cam Heyward said. “He commands respect when he talks to those guys.”
“I just appreciate them for coming in there with the same seriousness that I do,” Haden said.
The Steelers knew they were getting a special talent when they signed Haden to a three-year, $27 million contract in August 2017 after he was released by the can’t-do-anything-right Browns. Ben Roethlisberger played against him twice a season and knew the problems he created. He lobbied for Haden. “We all lobbied for him,” Heyward said.
Haden didn’t need anyone to persuade him to do a second contract with the Steelers, agreeing to a three-year, $32 million deal in August that runs through the 2021 season. He was an easy sell because of Tomlin — “I love him” — and his teammates on defense. Fitzpatrick and T.J. Watt are NFL Defensive Player of the Year candidates. Heyward and Bud Dupree are playing at an All-Pro level.
“There is strength in the pack,” Tomlin said.
“We’ve got guys who love to play football,” Heyward said. “We’re very lucky to have these guys.”
Watt, Dupree and Heyward have combined for 30 sacks, 60 quarterback hits, 35 tackles for loss, two interceptions, 10 forced fumbles and six fumble recoveries. It’s no coincidence Haden and Fitzpatrick have combined for nine interceptions.
“The quarterbacks aren’t comfortable back there,” Haden said. “Sometimes, there’s a clock in their head and also a clock in our head as a DB. We know sometimes with those double moves and those deeper routes, they can’t even get to them because [the quarterback] is back there scrambling. He can’t just stand in the pocket and look at it. We’re able to take more chances.”
That’s a cornerback’s dream, right?
“I’m so blessed,” Haden said. “When I first got released from Cleveland, that was a downer. That was one of the saddest moments of my life. And then to be able to come here and get the love from the coaching staff, get the love from the organization at the top, just being in this system ... Coach T is one of the best coaches I’ve ever played for. It’s like a family here with the Steelers. I couldn’t be happier. I’m just glad I’m making some plays for ’em so I can be here for a while.”
You know what Haden loves best?
No, not bowling, thank goodness.
Winning.
The Browns went 29-83 in his seven seasons, never having a winning record and never making the playoffs. The Steelers are 30-15-1 since he joined the team, including a loss to the Jaguars after the 2017 season in his only playoff game.
“We’re playing to get him back to the playoffs,” Heyward said.
Considering Haden’s status on the team, that is powerful motivation.
First Published: December 11, 2019, 11:00 a.m.
