CLEVELAND, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – Browns cornerback Denzel Ward received his second Pro Bowl invitation last week.
The Nordonia and Ohio State product, has hardly disappointed this season with 10 pass breakups and three interceptions, tying his rookie total for picks.
“It meant a lot. Is as much a credit to my coaches, my teammates and my family,” Ward said of the nod. “Everybody played a big role in helping me get back to the Pro Bowl since my rookie year. It means a lot, and I am looking forward to representing Cleveland, participating in the game and everything that comes along with the Pro Bowl.”
Selected fourth overall in 2018, expectations were high for Ward, especially after being named a Pro Bowler as a rookie, but Ward, who has battled numerous injuries that have cost him a dozen games over four seasons, continues to make plays when he is on the field.
Experience has made him even better.
“I think definitely I am a smarter player,” Ward said. “I definitely feel like I changed my body from my rookie season to now – gained some weight and put on a lot of muscle.
Just trying to find a way to come in and help my team get better. I feel like I definitely made some changes to improve myself this season.”
Ward’s signature game came in a 41-16 drubbing of the Bengals in Cincinnati on November 7 where he broke up three passes and started the game off with a 99-yard pick-6.
Early in the season defensive coordinator Joe Woods challenged Ward, even going as far as to say that Ward might be pressing, but Ward pushed back on the notion that he started the season slow.
“I think it depends on what you compare it to when you say I was off to a ‘slow start.’ I have not really given up too much out there on the field – anything like yards or touchdowns,” Ward said. “It depends on what you compare it to. I feel like I definitely picked it up throughout the season and raised my play. Those guys – coach Woods and all of those guys – they challenged me, and I appreciate that. I accept the challenges that they bring to me. I just try to go out there and be the best player I can for this team.”
Home again – With the return of Jedrick Wills Jr., Bitonio gets to slide back to left guard after playing the last two games at left tackle.
“The first game, I really did not have a chance to think about it so I just kind of went out there and did my thing,” Bitonio said. “I am happy Jed is back. He got back at practice today, and he was moving around pretty good. It is going to be good to be back inside at guard. Hopefully, we can get our line and our offense as healthy as possible.”
Bitonio, who has made four consecutive Pro Bowls as a guard, explained some of the challenges he dealt with on the road at Green Bay.
“At guard, you go with the silent count, and you can see the ball so it is not that demanding, but then when you get into Lambeau Field on Christmas Day, you are like, ‘Oh man, I have to really pay attention to the silent count and get off on the ball,’ Bitonio said. “There were a few things where I was like, ‘Man, I wish I had practiced this a few more times.’
“You just think so much more at tackle. There are plays that get called in the game, where it is like, ‘Alright, I have not really gotten a rep on this. What does a tackle do on this play?’ Where at guard, everything is kind of just like I pretty much know every scenario that you can work through.”
Finish strong – Finishing games has been a problem for the Browns in 2021.
They’ve lost six of the 10 games played that have been decided by 7 or less.
“We just have to find a way to finish, and that is the biggest thing,” Ward said. “Guys have to do their job and make the plays that come to them. It is just all about finishing. We are in these close games. We just have to find a way to execute and make that one more play to get off the field or one more play to put our offense in better position. Just try to find a way to win.”
The inability to rally or close out opponents is a big reason why the Browns find themselves at the mercy of the Chiefs and Rams this weekend to beat the Bengals and Ravens respectively before they play the Steelers Monday night.
“We need some help, and that is unfortunate,” Bitonio said. “You always want to control your own destiny. We definitely need some help. We are playing Monday night so we will have an idea of what kind of happens this weekend, but the most important thing is for us to get a win against Pittsburgh. They are right there in it. The whole division is kind of right there. I think that is the most important thing – obviously, we need help, and we appreciate the help – is we have to handle our business, and that is really the main thing.”
Should Kansas City and LA prevail on Sunday, the Browns would control their destiny in the AFC North and be in position to leap from last place to the division title with wins over the Steelers and Bengals to close the season.
Practice squad moves – The Browns made four practice squad roster moves Tuesday. The team signed receiver Lawrence Cager and tight end Miller Forristall.
To make room cornerback Bryan Mills and receiver JoJo Natson were released.
The Browns placed protections this week on defensive back Adrian Colbert, guard Hjalte Froholdt, quarterback Nick Mullens and kicker Chris Naggar.
Injury report – DNP: S John Johnson III (hamstring), DE Myles Garrett (groin), Malik Jackson (knee), CB Troy Hill (knee) and RB Kareem Hunt (ankle)
