Cleveland Browns: Studs and duds from the regular season opener
By Dan Justik
Stud: Denzel Ward
If it weren’t for Denzel Ward, the Browns could have been in too big of a hole coming out of halftime that they would not have had a chance to comeback like they did.
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In the first quarter, the Steelers were marching down the field, making it into the red-zone in only three plays. But in their first play in the red-zone, Ward made a great read on Roethlisberger and was able to dive and intercept a pass intended for Antonio Brown.
The game was scoreless at the time, but a touchdown for the Steelers could have created early momentum for Pittsburgh. Ward’s interception saved the Browns from going down early, and seemed to ignite the Browns defense.
Ward also made another interception after a pass was deflected into the air in the second quarter. After his selection at fourth overall in the 2018 NFL Draft, Ward’s debut definitely silenced a lot of doubters.
Ward did give up a touchdown to Brown, but he was in the best position that he could have been in and got his hand in between Brown’s arm to knock it away. But Brown was able to make a strong play on the ball, and it was a play that only the best receiver in the NFL could make.
However, for most of the game, Ward was in tight coverage that did not give many chances for Roethlisberger to throw into.
In bad conditions for cornerbacks, Ward played extremely well. With another big matchup next week against Drew Brees and Michael Thomas, Ward will need to show his talent once again.