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Cleveland Browns: 4 players with the most to gain against Tampa Bay

By Eric Szczepinski

Aug 18, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Terrelle Pryor (11) catches a touchdown as Atlanta Falcons free safety Ricardo Allen (37) and cornerback Desmond Trufant (21) defend during the first quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 18, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Terrelle Pryor (11) catches a touchdown as Atlanta Falcons free safety Ricardo Allen (37) and cornerback Desmond Trufant (21) defend during the first quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 27, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden (23) during the third quarter against the Oakland Raiders at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 27, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden (23) during the third quarter against the Oakland Raiders at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensively, all eyes will be glued to Pro Bowl cornerback Joe Haden, who missed the first two preseason games but is fully heathy and ready to go.

Haden had an injury plagued 2015 but is determined to bounce back as a top defender in the league this season and is eager to get back on the field.

“Yeah, I think it is, just to be able to get some competition against another NFL team that’s really just going after you,” Haden said this week. “It’s going to be some real competition, and I think being able to go back full go finally against another team trying to get after it. I think it’s going to be really good for me.”

Haden looked the part in the joint practices with Tampa Bay, as he had an interceptions on both days of 11-on-11 portion of practice.

Haden has performed well since rejoining training camp and needs to continue to return to his form as the Browns top cornerback. If Haden can be left on an island across from opposing top receivers, it will make the defense more versatile. Haden is the unquestioned leader of the Browns defense and if he’s healthy making plays, other defenders will feed off his energy.

Next: Browns vs. Bucs: TV, Radio Info

The key for Haden is to be consistent as the team’s top corner and be a leader for the younger defensive backs on the roster, helping them prepare and get ready for the upcoming season.

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