Cleveland Browns defensive back Denzel Ward continues to be one of the best players in the league at his position. He came through huge again last week, when Ward made a game-changing interception to help secure the victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 4. It’s not just one game; Ward has been an elite player in the secondary for years.
Recently, Browns’ defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg talked about Ward and the impact that he has been making on this defense.
“He’s one of the best players in the NFL,” Rutenberg said. “Not only is he one of the best corners in this league, he wants more and more. He wants to find his inches. He wants to find his different ways to help this defense. He’s completely unselfish, and then he makes a great play that helped change the momentum of the game, and it’s really exciting to see for him. And it’s really fun working with him.”
Through the first four games, Ward has an 89.5 overall PFF defensive grade this season. That mark is the highest grade among cornerbacks in the NFL right now. When in man coverage, Ward has only allowed 10 receptions for 74 yards. He’s getting paired against the best wide receivers in the league and needs to play at an elite level every week.
Heading into Week 5, Ward has recorded 17 tackles, two forced fumbles, and one interception. It’s his ninth season in the league, and Ward might only be getting better. The Browns rewarded Ward’s excellent play with a two-year contract extension in July. Given his elite play, this might end up being a steal of a deal for the Browns.
Now, Ward will prepare once again to face off against another elite wideout this weekend. He’ll draw New York Jets top wideout Garrett Wilson on Sunday. Wilson has been by far the Jets’ best offensive player with 24 receptions, 270 receiving yards, and two touchdowns. The Browns will once again ask Ward to lock down one of the league’s best wide receivers today.
Sometimes, it seems like Ward’s elite play is taken for granted because he has been great for so long. At this point, fans just expect him to lock down every opposing team’s best receiver each week. He has been selected to the Pro Bowl five times for a reason.
Ward is truly a special player, and the Browns are lucky to have him in their secondary every Sunday.
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