Joe Haden brings splash, takeaways to Steelers defense in win against Cardinals

The game summary will show Joe Haden had two interceptions in the second half Sunday, the latter sealing the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 23-17 victory against the Arizona Cardinals.

What it doesn’t show is the planning and preparation that went into the 30-year-old cornerback making those game-changing plays. Specifically, the film study that took place three days earlier and provided the impetus for Haden’s first multi-pick game in three seasons with the Steelers.

Ask defensive captain Cameron Heyward, and he’ll tell you Haden’s work in a post-practice meeting Thursday afternoon was equally important as what transpired over the final 30 minutes at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.

“It’s not odd that Joe is in the right place,” Heyward said after the Steelers intercepted Cardinals rookie Kyler Murray three times in the second half to win for the seventh time in the past eight games. “I’ve seen him prepare throughout the week.”

According to Heyward, Haden was particularly diligent with his preparation this past week. Perhaps it was because coach Mike Tomlin said the Steelers, who have the most takeaways in the NFL, couldn’t rely on such thievery in this particular matchup.

Challenge accepted.

“One-thousand percent,” Haden said when asked whether Tomlin’s words provided an inspiration.

Heyward witnessed it first-hand Thursday when he decided to sneak into the defensive backs position meeting at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. Heyward entered with the intent of securing some food that was supplied for the group.

He got more than a full stomach.

“Everybody was cutting up a little bit,” Heyward said. “They bring the food into the meeting room, and (Haden) addressed it and said, ‘Hey, we have to focus in on this.’

“Then, you see it lead through this week, him getting those two turnovers. He sets an example and other guys follow.”

Although he is in his third year with the Steelers, Haden has the most tenure among the four core starting defensive backs. Cornerback Steve Nelson is in his first year with the organization, strong safety Terrell Edmunds is in his second and free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick has been around for 11 games.

“He’s just a quality, low-maintenance, high-production veteran player and Steve is as well,” Tomlin said. “Obviously, Joe made the splash, so he deserves the recognition, but I can’t say enough about those low-maintenance, high-production veteran corners that provide a nice high floor for us in terms of performance.”

Haden’s interceptions were his third and fourth of the year. That’s one more than he totaled in the 2017-18 seasons combined. He also chipped in four tackles.

Haden deflected credit, pointing out that he isn’t the only defensive player putting extra work into diagramming Xs and Os and analyzing opposing quarterback’s tendencies.

“It’s everybody working together,” he said. “It’s a lot of things — a lot of pass rushes, a lot of film studies, a lot of communication going into it. We’re seeing things, communicating, telling guys what I’m about to do and them having my back.”

Case in point was his interception on Arizona’s opening drive of the third quarter. Trailing 13-10, the Cardinals had driven into Steelers territory and had a first down on the 31. After a 5-yard run, Murray threw toward running back Chase Edmonds in the flat on second down.

Haden, who was playing outside coverage, left his receiver and jumped the rout, stepping in front of Edmonds to get the pick at the Steelers 23. Buoyed by the takeaway, the Steelers embarked on a 10-play touchdown drive that made it 20-10.

“We were in Cover 2, and I tried to play off like we were in Cover 3,” Haden said. “I told Mink, ‘As soon as the inside receiver breaks out, I’m going for it.’”

It was the first crucial mistake for Murray, the No. 1 overall draft pick who entered the game with six interceptions in 12 games.

“I knew he likes to sit on a lot of stuff, gamble, and I knew that,” Murray said. “It’s just kind of like playing chess, and he won that first one.”

Linebacker T.J. Watt intercepted Murray in the end zone early in the fourth quarter to snuff out the next drive. And Haden put the finishing touches on the victory when he snagged Murray’s desperation pass on a fourth-and-18 heave with 36 seconds remaining.

It was reminiscent of the previous week when Haden’s interception of Baker Mayfield with 1:06 left preserved a 20-13 victory against the Cleveland Browns.

“You know, it’s just Money Joe,” linebacker Bud Dupree said. “He’s been doing that his whole career. He’s comfortable again, just making the plays he can. He has a lot of want-to.”