Top Dawg Week 1: Denzel Ward
Hey, Cleveland!
I don’t know of anyone who could have written a better narrative. Let’s take years of re-building, months of practice, mega preseason exposure and mix in the fun fact that in Week 1 the Cleveland Browns host their arch-rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers. But wait there’s more, let’s add the remnants of a tropical storm (coincidently bearing the name of one of our star wide receivers, Gordon). The ‘Perfect Storm references practically write themselves.
And then we played the game… and we did not lose…and we did not win. Hours after the game I am still torn about my emotions; I am choosing to go with slightly satisfied and moderately relieved. At the very least I’m not hyperventilating any longer and I got through Week 1 without my traditional football season facial tic.
I was most happy with our defense, especially Nordonia native, Denzel Ward. The rookie cornerback and Ohio State alum did not crack under the mountain of pressure placed on the shoulders of our Cleveland Browns. His play was solid and he did not appear to have the rookie “deer in the headlights” look while on the field. Of course, nabbing two passes from Pittsburgh quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger is a great way to gain the confidence needed to be a playmaker in the NFL.
So, congratulations, Denzel, you are the first Top Dawg of the 2018 season. Keep on intercepting, sir, and you will have a bright future as a Cleveland Browns local hero.
Denzel Ward’s first NFL interception! ? #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/WFG9hghCTO
— Buckeye Videos+ (@BuckeyeVideos) September 9, 2018
We will keep a running list of Top Dawgs throughout the season!
Week 1: CB Denzel Ward, 2 INT
Image credit: Brownswire.usatoday.com
