Cleveland Browns vs Arizona Cardinals: Film Room Session

Michael Floyd beats Joe Haden on a 60-yard touchdown 

Early in the third quarter, the Browns lead 20-10. This play takes place on the Cardinals first possession of the half. The Browns play the most man to man coverage in the NFL, playing man coverage on over 50% of their defense plays. The Browns love to leave Joe Haden isolated on an island against the opposing teams top receivers. However, Haden has struggled to stay healthy this season and has struggled with his performance when he has been on the field. On this play the Browns show a two high safety look, but on the snap, Donte Whitner creeps into the box as an extra linebacker. This leaves Haden one on one against Michael Floyd.

On the snap, Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer recognizes the man to man coverage and is set on taking a deep shot to Floyd. Before the ball leaves Palmer’s hand, Haden is in perfect coverage. Haden was in perfect technique and is tightly on the outside hip of Floyd.

However, Haden blows the coverage as soon as he tracks the ball in the air. As the ball is in the air, Haden became prioritized with tracking and locating the ball, he drifts away from Floyd. He is no longer no Floyd’s hip and allows him to get a step or two advantage.  The separation is all Palmer and Floyd need to expose Haden and make a huge play. Palmer throws a perfectly placed deep ball to the outside of Floyd and Haden is caught out of position to make a play. The play goes for a 60-yard touchdown and allows Arizona to creep back into the game. This is also the play where Joe Haden suffered another concussion and left the game.