The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Haden believes in Browns
Joe Haden has been in Cleveland long enough — eight years to be exact — to be well-versed in the mantra of Browns fans.
It goes something like this — “Wait till next year.”
Next year begins July 27, when the Browns open camp in Berea, and the question remains: Is this the year the Browns start to turn things around?
“Man, we always say that,” Haden said. “The proof is in the pudding. We’ve got to go out and do it. But I feel we are headed in the right direction.”
Haden, a defensive back, was in Hunting Valley on July 21 for the Joe Haden Skills Academy, held at University School’s football facility. He, family members and employees of the Haden Sports and Performance facility in District Heights, Maryland, put on the camp for more than 200 area youngsters. The camp was one of the last events on Haden’s offseason schedule prior to the opening of Browns camp on July 27. Suffice to say, he is antsy to get started.
“I’m super ready,” he said. “You’re never, ever, ever excited about the way we ended the season last year. I feel like we needed a lot more wins. But I’m super excited about the defense we’ve brought in, and the offensive line free agents we signed. I’m excited about our team.”
The Browns hired a new defensive coordinator, Gregg Williams, in the offseason. The move, along with the corresponding switch from a 3-4 defense to a 4-3 set, is expected to be a more aggressive approach to the defensive side of the ball. That has been Williams’ modus operandi wherever he has coached.
The Browns also signed
a new center (J.C. Tretter), a new guard (Kevin Zeitler) and announced guard Joel Bitonio had signed a five-year contract extension. Those three, along with stalwart Joe Thomas at left tackle, are expected to anchor what many believe could be one of the top offensive lines in the NFL.
Major additions also were made on defense in the draft — namely defensive end Myles Garrett
with the top pick in the NFL draft, and safety Jabrill Peppers with the 25th overall pick in the first round.
Just the mention of Peppers’ name brought a smile to Haden’s face.
“I think he is an awesome weapon,” Haden said. “We can use him at linebacker, safety or in a nickel position. He is somebody we can move around. He can make plays. He is going to be a big, big help to us.
“Even in (Organized Team Activities), you could see his energy and emotion. We need that.”
That addition of Garrett to a defensive front seven that lacked in creating havoc last year potentially makes the Browns’ defensive backfield better.
“A pass rush is a defensive back’s best friend,” Haden said. “Being able
to get the quarterback off his spot and being able to throw him off a little bit (is important). They throw the ball on the money. If you can get some pressure and heat coming, you can get some deflected passes and wobbly balls in the air. That’s our best friend.”
From a personal point of view, Haden is looking forward to a full season.
His 2015 season was limited to five games because of a concussion issue.
A year ago, he played 13 games, but was limited by a sports hernia injury and an ankle injury.
“Health-wise everything is good,” Haden said. “I had my sports hernia surgery after the season and ankle surgery. I’m feeling good. This is the best I’ve felt the last two years . ... I can’t wait to get out there and start playing.”