Denzel Ward’s stellar performance has become a beacon of hope for the Cleveland Browns amidst their inconsistent early season.
The cornerback’s seventh year in the NFL has seen him elevate his game to new heights, effectively locking down his portion of the field and presenting a formidable challenge to opposing quarterbacks and receivers.
Recent statistics from PFF underscore Ward’s dominance in single coverage.
With a coverage grade of 90.1, he ranks first in the NFL.
His impressive numbers include allowing only four catches on 11 targets and forcing five incompletions, tying him for the top spot in the league.
Denzel Ward in single coverage this season:
🏝️ 90.1 coverage grade (1st)
🏝️ 11 targets
🏝️ 4 catches allowed
🏝️ 5 forced incompletions (T-1st) pic.twitter.com/aVRfodaafF— PFF (@PFF) September 27, 2024
Furthermore, NFL’s Next Gen Stats have Ward at the forefront in forcing tight windows.
Ward’s man-to-man coverage skills were on full display when he shadowed New York Giants star Malik Nabers in the second half of their Week 3 game, effectively neutralizing the rookie receiver after a strong start.
That performance has sparked discussions about Ward’s role moving forward.
The Browns now face a strategic decision: Should they assign Ward to shadow the opposing team’s primary receiver, or maintain his focus on securing one side of the field?
The Week 4 matchup against the Raiders presents an opportune moment for Ward to further showcase his skills.
With Raiders star Davante Adams out with an injury, Ward is poised to dominate against one of the league’s least heralded passing attacks.
This situation could provide valuable insights into how the Browns might best utilize Ward’s talents in future games.
His performance not only bolsters the defense but also provides a model of consistency that the entire team can aspire to emulate.
NEXT: Josh Cribbs Calls Out Browns Defense Ahead Of Raiders Matchup
