Pittsburgh Steelers legends James Harrison and Joe Haden didn’t hold back on the latest episode of their “Deebo and Joe” podcast, offering a scathing critique of the Baltimore Ravens defensive unit following their embarrassing 33-10 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
For Pittsburgh fans, watching a bitter AFC North rival collapse is standard viewing, but Harrison and Haden provided elite X’s and O’s perspective on why Baltimore’s defensive execution and play-calling failed so completely.
Haden focused his critique on their secondary’s mindset, singling out veteran cornerback Marlon Humphrey for exhibiting hesitation on tape.
"Marlon Humphrey has been a baller his whole career. Like, but when you start saying that you're nervous to cover somebody
you don't really want smoke, it's your time to go. You got to get out of there. Even if you can't cover these dudes, I don't want you on the field with me."
According to Haden, cornerbacks cannot afford to display fear, regardless of the wide receiver lined up across from them. He emphasized that self-belief is mandatory in the NFL secondary, adding that hesitation only puts bad film on display.
Harrison turned his attention to Baltimore's coaching staff, specifically attacking their defensive scheme late in the first half. He highlighted a blown 50-yard explosive play where the Ravens dialed up a zero-blitz, leaving zero safety help over the top with under two minutes remaining.
Haden agreed, "That's coaching, Deebo. That's coaching. You putting your players in a bad position. Like, it's one missed tackle to the crib. One missed tackle to the crib, bro.”
Both former Pro Bowlers agreed that Baltimore's current defensive struggles extend far beyond physical limitations, revealing major structural and psychological flaws across their division rival.
This could work in the Steelers favor, as they will still have to face one of their AFC North foe twice before the season ends.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Former Steelers stars roast Ravens defensive collapse against Jaguars
