BEREA, Ohio — Browns DC Jim Schwartz has no issue ranking Denzel Ward.
The 29-year NFL coaching vet said Ward, a four-time Pro Bowler, is the best cornerback he’s had. However, this ranking extends beyond Ward’s defensive contributions.
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Ward was instrumental in Sunday’s 13-10 win against the previously-undefeated Green Bay Packers on one of the key plays of the game: A blocked 43-yard field goal attempt with only 21 seconds left to play.
Defensive tackle Shelby Harris got his left mitt up in time to get the block, which was recovered by cornerback Greg Newsome II to set the Browns up for their game-winning field goal drive.
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But maybe neither of those two things happen if Ward doesn’t rip around the line on Green Bay kicker Brandon McManus’ left side, leaving the ground and flying through the air with both hands outstretched to lay out for the block.
“Denzel’s the best corner I’ve had, and I heard a long time ago somebody said you can tell the effort of your team and defense on how they rush field goals and PATs,” Schwartz said. “And it’s not just when the game’s on the line the way Denzel’s was. Watch PATs in the first quarter, he rushes the exact same way.
“So, he’s not a guy that just turns it on in a particular time. You know, he brings it hard all the time, and lays out – like when you lay out like that, it’s like being in a car wreck when you hit the ground.”
In real time, it was unclear at first who blocked the ball because Ward came in so fast. After reviewing the film, it looked like Ward may have actually gotten a finger on the ball, altering it just enough to make Harris’ block possible.
Ward confirmed that on Thursday.
“I tipped it, tipped it a little bit,” he said. “But (Harris) got that full paw on there though.”
So does Ward want to be credited with the assist?
His answer on that is also likely part of the reason why Schwartz considers him the best corner he’s coached.
“I want whatever we got to do to win,” he said. “I don’t need no credit. I’m not in it for the accolades and awards. The only thing I want is that win.
“So we got the win and that’s most important. So yeah, it don’t matter to me whether people give me credit or not.”
But Ward deserves it, especially since this isn’t the first time he’s impacted a kick like this for an opposing team.
In 2023’s improbable win over the San Francisco 49ers, Ward flew around the right edge and nearly blocked then-rookie Jake Moody’s kick — he certainly did enough to alter Moody’s approach enough that the kick sailed wide right to preserve Cleveland’s victory.
“I would just say Denzel is a… unique mover,” special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone said. “His ability to bend, obviously, he’s got a really good burst and acceleration. He’s really, really good in that spot.”
Ward’s ability in that spot is also a testament to his acumen and willingness on special teams.
“I think it’s just attention to detail and knowing that every play matters really,” Ward said. “And definitely special teams, and any part of the game, any special teams play, anything could affect the game. I just try to get my best effort and do what I can out there to help affect the kick and affect the game.”
Ward also returned to practice for the Browns on Thursday after sitting out Wednesday, dealing with a shoulder injury and a toe injury that he suffered against the Packers, giving a big break to the Browns defense that will have to contend with a myriad of Lions offensive weapons in Week 4, including running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, tight end Sam LaPorta, and receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams.
Through the first three games, the Lions have the third-ranked overall offense in the NFL, averaging 394.3 yards per game.
Ward will of course be integral as the 1-2 Browns look to pull off an upset against one of the hottest offenses in the league.
“I think the biggest thing is just whatever our job is on that specific play,” Ward said. “Our assignment is executing our assignment, and it should fall into our lap, whatever we got to do. So just executing on our specific jobs, individual jobs within a play and get through the down.”
Whether it’s locking down receivers or flying off the edge, Ward has shown he’s willing to do whatever it takes to deliver a win.