Cleveland Browns CB Joe Haden Says He "Grew Up" as a Player in 2011
Monday, February 6, 2012
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| ClevelandBrowns.com |
Senior Writer
The Cleveland Browns have picked defensive players the past two NFL drafts to bolster the talent on that side of the ball.
Cornerback Joe Haden was the first selection of the Mike Holmgren and Tom Heckert regime, in the 2010 NFL Draft.
Since coming to Cleveland, Haden has been a terrific presence both on the field and in the community. As a rookie, Haden had six interceptions but then none in his second season.
Sophomore slump? Haden says no.
"I grew up as a player," Haden said at the 2011 Greater Cleveland Sports Awards on Thursday night. "It didn't show in interceptions [last season], but I have to keep working hard on my weaknesses and get my hands on the receivers to control them on the line."
Haden knows having a full, non-lockout offseason this year will help both himself and his defensive teammates.
"Having an offseason with workouts will help in communicating with coaches and that's a really big step [in the right direction]."
Haden, as a rookie, mentioned how much of a mentor veteran cornerback Sheldon Brown has been to him. When asked his thoughts on Brown and a rumored move to safety—since his speed was in question to play cornerback anymore—Haden had nothing but great things to say about his teammate.
"Sheldon's a pro. He knows his craft, he knows what to do, he teaches me so much," Haden said. "When you watch him in practice, he really knows how to practice and knows how to play [the position]. Sheldon will be able to play as long as he wants to."
Haden may have struggled a bit last season, but fans need to remember there was no offseason and the Browns were transitioning from the 3-4 to a 4-3 defensive system.
A confident Haden said he took a step in the right direction in 2011 and he was able to shut down many of the league's top receivers sans Cincinnati Bengals receiver A.J. Green, but Haden will have two shots at him next season and each season after.
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