Cleveland Browns: Denzel Ward wins NFL Rookie of the Week
Following a fantastic performance in his debut game, Cleveland Browns rookie cornerback Denzel Ward has won the NFL’s Rookie of the Week award. Ward helped the Browns come back against the Steelers and tie the game in the fourth quarter.
Covering Pittsburgh Steelers All-Pro wide receiver Antonio Brown is no easy task, but Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward certainly seemed up to the challenge in his debut game.
In Week 1 against the Steelers, the Cleveland native Ward snagged two interceptions, as well as six total tackles. Earlier this week, his efforts against the black and yellow were rewarded, and Ward won the NFL’s Rookie of the Week award for week one.
Analysts lauded Ward for his freaky speed and amazing ball skills before the draft — which led to the Browns using the No. 4 Overall pick on securing his services — but the Ohio State product’s bread and butter when facing the Steelers was really his smarts.
Ward read opposing quarterback Ben Roethlisberger like a book on his second pick which can be viewed here. Keeping his eyes open and his head in the game, Ward was able to jump the route and close the steel curtain on Big Ben’s red zone drive — the second time he likely took points off the board for Pittsburgh.
One interception in your debut game is impressive. Two interceptions in your debut game win you some neat awards.
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It must be something about those Ohio State cornerbacks that just have a knack for defensive greatness. Congratulations, Denzel Ward. You earned it.