Hometown Kid, Denzel Ward Inspired By Memory of Cavs 2016 Championship Run
Cleveland Browns star defensive back Denzel Ward remembered back to 2016 when the Cleveland Cavaliers completed their magical run to the NBA Finals for Cleveland's first championship in over 50 years.
Ward, a native of Macedonia, told the media that he was downtown when the Cavs completed the comeback from being down 3-1 against the Warriors. He recalls that the comeback left him inspired and he is ready to do the same thing for the Cleveland Browns.
Nov 5, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward (21) celebrates his broken up pass intended for Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marquise Brown (2) during the third quarter at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
Ward has certainly been up to the task this season and he is playing some of the best football in his career.
On the season, Ward has 11 pass breakups to go along with his two interceptions but those stats hardly tell the story.
Of all the corners in the NFL that have faced a minimum of 60 targets, Ward is second in the league in passing rating with a 53.9 rating. The one man he trails, his running mate MJ Emerson.
Ward routinely shadows the opponent's best receiver and follows him around all game long. Being that he is a smaller guy, Ward is often surrenders a few inches of height to his opponent. He makes up for that by having incredible instincts and elite athletic ability.
On Saturday, Ward will have his hands full trying to cover Texans receiver Nico Collins. Collins is the number-one threat for the Texans' offense. He and CJ Stroud of built up a nice connection, one that will require Ward's full attention.
Denzel Ward has been here through the lean years and has stayed committed. He is everything that you want in a Cleveland Brown and maybe this is the year that he and this team bring another Championship to the City of Cleveland.
