Cleveland Browns studs and duds from frustrating Week 13 loss

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PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 01: James Washington #13 of the Pittsburgh Steelers makes a catch against Denzel Ward #21 of the Cleveland Browns in the second half on December 1, 2019 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

Dud Denzel Ward

Ahead of this game, Denzel Ward was challenged by head coach Freddie Kitchens. Ward, who made the Pro Bowl as a rookie, hasn’t had the same impact on the team this season. He’s missed a lot of time with a hamstring injury and has been up and down since returning.

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His biggest issue has been an inability to locate the ball — something he shined at in his rookie season. Those struggles prompted the coach to publicly say he wants him to step up and start creating more turnovers.

"“I want him to continue to get his hands on balls,” Kitchen said, via Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland.com. “When you start getting your hands on footballs, that starts creating turnovers. He is playing really good, and I want more.”"

Ward wasn’t able to step up on Sunday as his coach desired, and was a big problem for them on the Steelers’ first drive of the second half. First, he was beet deep by James Washington, who hauled in a 44-yard reception.

Three plays later he broke up a pass in the end zone but was called for pass interference as he had his eyes on Deon Cain rather than the ball.

His penalty gave Pittsburgh a 1st-and-goal from the one-yard line and they only needed one play to get it in the end zone as Benny Snell pushed his way in for a touchdown which gave Pittsburgh a 17-10 lead.

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