Pittsburgh Steelers: 5 players to watch against the New Orleans Saints

PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 02: T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after a defensive stop in the second quarter during the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Heinz Field on December 2, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 02: T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after a defensive stop in the second quarter during the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Heinz Field on December 2, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
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PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 16: Joe Haden #23 of the Pittsburgh Steelers intercepts a pass intended for Julian Edelman #11 of the New England Patriots in the fourth quarter during the game at Heinz Field on December 16, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 16: Joe Haden #23 of the Pittsburgh Steelers intercepts a pass intended for Julian Edelman #11 of the New England Patriots in the fourth quarter during the game at Heinz Field on December 16, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)

Joe Haden

Joe Haden had his hands full in the game against New England. Covering Josh Gordon is no joke, but Haden did it to perfection allowing only one catch for 19 yards. His 12 tackles and redzone interception put this defense on a new level.

He walked away AFC Player of the Week, rightfully so. His mission isn’t over yet, though. Haden will have an even bigger test on his hands this week as he lines up across from Michael Thomas. He’ll need to shut down one of the league’s best players if the Steelers are going to eliminate the Saints passing game.

T.J. Watt said this defense needs to produce turnovers so Haden went out and got one. Now, he needs to continue that momentum into Week 16, giving Pittsburgh the edge they need to beat the Saints.

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