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Denzel Ward is the worst PFF graded player for the Cleveland Browns after Week 3

By Chad Porto

CLEVELAND, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 18: Denzel Ward #21 of the Cleveland Browns reacts during player introductions before the game against the New York Jets at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 18, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 18: Denzel Ward #21 of the Cleveland Browns reacts during player introductions before the game against the New York Jets at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 18, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images) /
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Browns defensive end Myles Garrett gets the crowd pumped up on third down during the second half against the Steelers, Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022, in Cleveland.Brownssteelers 15
Browns defensive end Myles Garrett gets the crowd pumped up on third down during the second half against the Steelers, Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022, in Cleveland.Brownssteelers 15 /

Defense

  1. Myles Garrett – 91.6 (61.5 rush) (-0.3)
  2. Jadeveon Clowney – 89.2 (DNP)
  3. Anthony Walker – 82.7 (-8.1) [90.0 coverage]
  4. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah – 80.0 (-10.6)
  5. Tony Fields 79.8 (NL)
  6. Sione Takitaki – 78.6 (-0.9)
  7. Martin Emerson – 69.7 (-5.1)
  8. John Johnson – 65.9 (+2.5)
  9. D’Anthony Bell – 64.4 (NL)
  10. Greg Newsome – 61.3 (+3.4)
  11. Jordan Kunaszyk – 61.8 (NL)
  12. Perrion Winfrey – 59.8 (+0.8) (NL Week 2}
  13. Taven Bryan – 58.3 (-3.6)
  14. Alex Wright – 53.7  (-6.7)
  15. Isaiah Thomas – 52.6 (NL)
  16. Ronnie Harriston – 50.2 (0.0)
  17. Isaac Rochell – 49.9 (+21.2)
  18. Grant Delpit – 45.7 (+3.3)
  19. Tommy Togiai – 43.3 (-16.6)
  20. Chase Winovich – 42.4 (0.0)
  21. Jordan Elliot – 38.8 (-8.8)
  22. Jacob Phillips – 38.0 (+8.3)
  23. AJ Green – 32.6 (-2.0)
  24. Denzel Ward – 31.5 (-12.3)

The Browns lost both Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah and Anthony Walker during the game, which didn’t help their weekly score. Owusu-Koramoah may be fine, as he and Taven Bryan are listed as questionable currently but Walker is done for the year. He wasn’t a difference maker against the run or any pass rush situations, but Walker excelled in coverage.

Joe Woods’ defense calls for fewer linebackers and more defensive backs, but they were able to get a third linebacker on at times due to Owusu-Koramoah and Walker’s pass coverage skills. Without them, or with only one, the Browns may find themselves running out more safeties and corners than normal, which will open them up to being more susceptible to the run.

Tony Fields played well in relief, but against, the Steelers offense isn’t very good, so any score here can be seen as inflated. Tougher tasks will be on the horizon and the Browns may want to look at a free agent to come in and add some depth.

As with Fields, D’Anthony Bell and Matin Emerson impressed. Bell, in limited action granted, looked solid, while Emerson has been the team’s best corner through the first three weeks of the season. That’s in part because he’s not on the number one option but you can only guard who you’re given.

Seeing Denzel Ward absolutely free fall on the field, on social media, and in the PFF scores is something. He just signed a massive new contract, and he’s struggling to cover some of the most mid-tier receivers in the game currently. Grant Delpit being next to him doesn’t help. Tommy Togiai and Jordan Elliot are both freefalling as well, and that’s not a good sign for this team’s future.

Next. PFF grades for the Cleveland Browns after two weeks of football. dark

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