DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Pure Football Forum DBs T.J. Ward, Joe Haden plan leading roles in Cleveland Browns defense

Second-year DBs T.J. Ward, Joe Haden plan leading roles in Cleveland Browns defense


Published: Wednesday, July 27, 2011, 1:00 AM Updated: Wednesday, July 27, 2011, 1:33 AM
By Mary Kay Cabot, The Plain Dealer The Plain Dealer


BEREA, Ohio -- You can see it in their swagger and hear it in their voices. Joe Haden and T.J. Ward have gone from wide-eyed rookies to top dawgs of the Cleveland Browns' defense.

"We're definitely going to take over the defense," Ward said confidently on the first day players were allowed to report to the team facility. "We'll see about the team, but we're definitely going to be leaders in our own right."

Ward, who led the Browns and all NFL rookies with 105 tackles as a safety, admitted he and Haden knew their place last season.

"Last year was kind of sit back and watch the pros play," he said. "At the same time, I think we both started taking on leadership roles at the end of the year. This year, I think it's going to be the biggest jump from the first year to the second year more than any other year."

Haden, who led the Browns with six interceptions as a rookie cornerback and had the second-most among rookies, agreed. Now, the first- and second-round picks from last season plan to take command of their unit the same way second-year man Colt McCoy has the offense.

"As a rookie you can come in and be a leader, but how are you going to tell a 10-year veteran how to do something when it's your third game?" said Haden, one of about 12 players who reported for duty Monday. "This year, we have a year under our belt. We feel more comfortable not wondering how you're going to feel in Week Seven, how are we going to feel in Week Eight. We feel more comfortable. We know what's going on."

What's more, they're changing to a 4-3 system under new defensive coordinator Dick Jauron that won't bust their brains on the field.

"It's not going to be as difficult as our defense was last year," said Ward. "We had a bunch of schemes and a bunch of techniques and calls that, I think at times, confused some of the guys on defense and maybe our cohesion wasn't there as well last year. But I think this year it's more basic and you just use your athletic ability and skills as a football player to make plays."

The defense run by Eric Mangini and Rob Ryan was so intense that Mangini often gave pop quizzes to make sure the players knew it. This one is more defense 101.

"It's so much easier," said Haden. "If you got it, if you can hang with your man, it's going to be a good day for you. I like my chances, I like T.J.'s chances, I like Sheldon [Brown's] chances."

Added Ward: "The more confident you are in your role, you can play faster. If you're out there kind of thinking too much or not sure about this or that, it can hinder you. So just being able to go and play fast is going to help us all."

Haden and Ward know there's a good chance starting safety Abe Elam and cornerback Eric Wright, both unrestricted free agents, may not return. The Browns are talking to both players' agents, but the result is uncertain. There's some speculation Elam will be reunited with Rob Ryan in Dallas.

"I hope [Elam's back]," said Haden. "He's a hell of a teammate. I just like him being around. He's more of a leader. He's been here. He's been here a lot longer than T.J. He showed us the ropes, showed us what to do, along with E. Wright and Sheldon. You can never teach leadership."

Ward said he's kept in contact with Wright throughout the off-season.

"I'm sure he'd love to be back here," said Ward. "We fit great. I think we were a great secondary last year. We had great cohesion. I mean, I'd love for him to be back. That's just my personal opinion but I don't know what the hands above say about it."

Both said it wasn't as important for the defense to work together in the off-season as it was for the offense.

"Offense is more timing based, getting to know your receivers, your quarterback," said Ward. "Even with the O-line, the cadence of the quarterback is really important for the timing. With us, it's more of a reaction-type thing. We react to what they do. I think if you keep those skills together, then you'll be all right."

Haden and Ward aren't concerned about who the Browns will sign in free agency.

"They get paid to do that," said Haden. "I get paid to cover. [Ward] gets paid to hit. Whoever comes in here, we're going to try to get them into what we've got going. But we're going to do what we've got to do."

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Ward, who led the Browns and all NFL rookies with 105 tackles as a safety, admitted he and Haden knew their place last season.

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How refreshing. Young kids that come in, listen and learn.

Brings back memories of when Dixon & Minniefield took over the Defense.....God please let lightning strike twice....