4 Browns defensive standouts against Washington

3. Denzel Ward looked like a Pro Bowl Cornerback

In addition to Garrett’s typical heroics, Denzel Ward finally started to look like a Pro Bowl-caliber cornerback. Ward has had a tough year after signing a mega contract extension. He has suffered from a variety of physical issues including a concussion which has caused him to miss time and he just has not had the airtight coverage he had in his Pro Bowl season of 2021.

Against the Commanders, however, Ward was able to make 2022 Pro Bowler Terry McLaurin appear to be ineffective. That’s the definition of a shutdown corner.

Of course, if you are a cynical Washington fan, there’s always the option of blaming quarterback Carson Wentz. Still, McLaurin had two catches in five targets for 25 yards, one of the weakest games in a season in which he has earned Pro Bowl honors.

Unofficially, McLaurin has 1,092 receiving yards, the third straight year in which he has had over 1,000 yards receiving. Thus, holding him to 25 yards is an impressive achievement.

In addition, Ward came up with an interception on the opening Washington drive, perhaps causing Wentz to shy away from challenging him thereafter. In any case, the entire secondary had a strong game.

As good as Ward was, however, a case can be made that Grant Delpit was the defensive start of the game. He actually picked Carson Wentz twice.