News

Overview:

Youth was definitely served, or more accurately, when it came to the Browns secondary, the youth served up some big moments during the 2010 season.

The Browns addressed their secondary through the first two picks of the 2010 NFL Draft when they selected cornerback Joe Haden at No. 7 overall and hard-hitting safety T.J. Ward with the 38th choice. Ward was in the starting line-up from the first day of training camp and Haden made seven starts while playing a key role in the secondary in all 16 contests.

Both players were mentored by veterans. Haden learned his craft from former Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Sheldon Brown, who was acquired in an off-season trade, while Ward was taught how to quarterback a defense by fifth-year NFL safety Abram Elam.

Including veterans Mike Adams and Eric Wright, the Browns secondary accounted for 15 of the team’s 19 interceptions during the 2010 regular season.

Outstanding Performers:

Haden broke-up 18 passes and collected six interceptions, which led the team and were tied for fifth in the NFL. He tied for the fourth most ever by a Browns rookie, was the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Month for November, a nominee for the Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year and a member of The Sporting News All-Rookie team.

Ward led the Browns with 105 total tackles and 80 solo stops. He had two interceptions in a 24-20 loss at the Jacksonville Jaguars, ten pass break-ups and one forced fumble.

For their efforts, Haden and Ward were named to Pro Football Weekly’s All-Rookie Team.

Key Stat:

54.

Together, Ward, Haden, Brown and Elam combined for 54 starts and played in 64 total games during the 2010 season. Even with Wright and Elam playing every game in 2009, the Browns’ opening day starters in the secondary missed a combined 12 starts.

What To Watch For:

How Haden and Ward are able to build off successful rookie seasons while also adjusting to a new defensive coordinator in Dick Jauron will go a long way in forming the Browns’ ability to stop opponents on third down and make plays.

Opponents converted 96-of-224 (42.9 percent) of their third downs against the Browns this season and also won the time of possession battle in 13 of the 16 games.