Steelers Pass D is #1 in NFL (aka, alternate universe paradox?)

[SS Laser]

At draft time Golson was there. And what Hilton is doing the FO/coaches had hope that Golson could. Sensebaugh was then brought in as insurance to "glass man" Golson not paning out. And even as a replacement for gay?
I still wonder how Hilton will do in a heavy man to man scheme? He is excelling in zone/blitz for sure. I also think Cockrell was part of the plan at draft time. They tried to add a upgrade last year with Gilbert and that failed miserably. Player just not who anyone thought he was.
I think the "plan" was to see what vet or draft pick was released after the draft. Same as they picked up cockrell.
The talking heads said in Chiefs game that the Steelers run man less then any other team and it not even close! So besides better players the scheme change has not happened like most fans wanted. And it is concerning to not run more to be prepared when the time comes that scheme is needed!

[Steel Maniac]

I think this is a game where we see just what the secondary can do by manning up most of the game. I'd like to see it. Man up on Jones and Galloday and see what we have. Can you imagine the constant pressure we could bring if we did that and went after Stafford? I get a chill just thinking about it.

[Oviedo]

Browns tried to TRADE him. We showed no interest, and we are fortunate they had to cut him. He could be on another roster.
There is a difference between a master plan and the.kid falling.in our lap without having to pay his old deal.

There is no falling in our lap. If you don't think there is a shadow intel network in the NFL where info is going back and forth you're kidding yourself. Many other teams wanted Haden but if you care to recall, our Front Office acted fast and essentially gave no one else a chance. We saw an opportunity and clearly had been prepared in order to act that fast. That is a competent organization and the way they operate.

[Captain Lemming]

There is no falling in our lap. If you don't think there is a shadow intel network in the NFL where info is going back and forth you're kidding yourself. Many other teams wanted Haden but if you care to recall, our Front Office acted fast and essentially gave no one else a chance. We saw an opportunity and clearly had been prepared in order to act that fast. That is a competent organization and the way they operate.

Yes, the Browns are leaking info so the hated Steelers can get Haden on the cheap.

OV, they tried to trade him before they cut him. If that happens, we got no opportunity.

You think jumping on the opportunity was some "Intel coup"? It's like seeing a hundred on the ground.....no brainer. As you mentioned other teams were interested.

Haden essentiially chose the Steelers, which is why it happened quickly.

[Shoe]

Dupree showed us enough of a flash in that one series... I am hopeful he comes to life down the stretch!

Dupree is fool's gold, if you think he is going to become anything like Khalil Mack or Von Miller. He does well as a blitzer; but is lost when just rushing straight up against a good Tackle. He gets free on stunts or when he's unexpected (i.e. blitz). TJ is also that type of guy, but he's got more potential to be more.

Our hopes rest not on one guy, but the whole group of: Cam, Tuitt, Deebo, Bud, TJ, Shazier, Hargrave, Hilton getting pressure. I think its viable hope, when it comes time to face the *.

[Cinnjerm3000]

Couldn't it be as simple as Haden's agent reached out to the Steelers specifically the moment Haden was released at Haden's behest? It doesn't seem to be the kind of thing that's that complicated. He certainly seemed like he wanted to be here and was grateful we picked him up.

[Shawn]

Um, Joe Haden WAS another team’s castoff...

They had cap space and opportunity...Haden wanted to actually play in a postseason game...and, he wouldn't even count against the comp pick formula because he was cut...

But, given our net gains vs losses, we may not qualify for any comp pick...though, the value of Timmons FA contract with the Dolphins exceeds the value of the contracts of Tyson Alualu, Coty Sensabaugh, and Justin Hunter put together...

Another stretch. Haden is a premiere DB on a bad Browns team who no longer thought he was worth his paycheck. Browns make ignorant decisions every day. I think even you can see the difference in Haden and what the Steelers normally obtain.

[RuthlessBurgher]

Another stretch. Haden is a premiere DB on a bad Browns team who no longer thought he was worth his paycheck. Browns make ignorant decisions every day. I think even you can see the difference in Haden and what the Steelers normally obtain.

Best FA pickup since Farrior.

[SanAntonioSteelerFan]

BTW, anyone know off the top of their head how much Haden is making here compared to what the Browns didn't want to pay him?

[Slapstick]

BTW, anyone know off the top of their head how much Haden is making here compared to what the Browns didn't want to pay him?

I read that it is almost exactly the same this year...

[RuthlessBurgher]

In 2014, Haden signed a 5 year deal in Cleveland worth $67.5M.

In 2017, Haden signed a 3 year deal in Pittsburgh worth $27M.

His 2016 cap hit in Cleveland was $13.4M.

His 2017 cap hit in Pittsburgh is $3.2M.

His 2018 and 2019 cap hits rise up to $11.9M, though.

[Slapstick]

In 2014, Haden signed a 5 year deal in Cleveland worth $67.5M.

In 2017, Haden signed a 3 year deal in Pittsburgh worth $27M.

His 2016 cap hit in Cleveland was $13.4M.

His 2017 cap hit in Pittsburgh is $3.2M.

His 2018 and 2019 cap hits rise up to $11.9M, though.

Haden collected a $5,750,000 signing bonus this season to go along with his $1,250,000 salary...his salaries in 2018 and 2019 are $9 million and $10 million respectively...

[Oviedo]

Haden collected a $5,750,000 signing bonus this season to go along with his $1,250,000 salary...his salaries in 2018 and 2019 are $9 million and $10 million respectively...

So far, worth every penny

[Captain Lemming]

So far, worth every penny

On this point I could not agree more OV.

[Steel Maniac]

Uh..

We faced one real QB so far this year and he tore us up for damn 500 yards. So lets stop this talk of "how great our pass defense is" . We have a lot of work to do in that secondary. Thank God Stafford is still the bed wetter he's always been and couldn't punch any TD's in on us.