The Cleveland Browns’ defense faced plenty of question marks heading into this season, especially with longtime defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz gone and superstar pass rusher Myles Garrett being traded to the Los Angeles Rams fresh off a 23-sack campaign. The losses created two significant voids that needed to be filled, but so far, new defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg has looked quite comfortable in his role and his guys have collectively stepped up to mitigate the loss of Garrett.
They wouldn’t be able to maintain this level of consistency in a post-Garrett world without having another reliable veteran or two to keep the train on the tracks. Cornerback Denzel Ward’s presence has never been more valuable for that reason and he has this secondary humming and he will have his hands full with Garrett Wilson of the New York Jets on Sunday as this team aims to tie its longest winning streak in 40 years.
During a recent appearance on the PFF NFL Show, Ward discussed the toughest matchups he has faced in the league, and he singled out Cincinnati Bengals superstar Ja’Marr Chase as one of the most difficult. He cited that he has the Bengals game circled on the calendar as he looks forward to that matchup.
“In the divison, I would say Ja’Marr Chase. He’s one of the guys that I think that I definitely circled on the schedule,” said Ward.
Denzel Ward on facing Ja'Marr Chase
"He's one of the guys that I think that I definitely circled on the schedule."pic.twitter.com/9URtMfcGHG
— PFF (@PFF) October 7, 2026
He credited Chase’s ability to make plays after the catch and his physicality as a route runner, noting that it’s imperative to tackle him as soon as he catches the ball to limit the damage. He also said he believes he has done a good job against him for the most part, but acknowledges how difficult of a matchup it is for all the aforementioned reasons.
Chase had just two catches for 26 yards in their first matchup last season, but popped off for eight catches for 96 yards and a touchdown in the season finale in 2026. If you look at the stats over the years, Ward is correct in pointing out that he and his squad have done a good job against Chase.
Chase only has one 100-yard game against the Browns, and it was in 2022. The Browns have held him under 60 yards six times in nine games in Chase’s career. In three of those matchups, Chase didn’t even get to 30 yards.
It’s quite a feather in Ward’s cap given how incredible Chase is, and we’ll see if Ward can keep this trend going when the two AFC North foes face off for the first time in Week 13.
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