Cleveland Browns youngster Denzel Ward
Denzel Ward Jersey White , the No. 4 pick in last April’s draft, earned honors as the NFL’s top rookie for Week 1. Ward, 21, showed every reason why the Browns drafted him with so highly, playing reliably in both run and pass defense. He became the fourth-youngest player to record two interceptions in a game and finished with six total tackles.The award had some pretty strong competition, with No. 2 pick Saquon Barkley—106 yards rushing and one rushing touchdown—and No. 4 pick Sam Darnold—198 passing yards and two touchdowns—both finishing with strong debuts. Vikings Cornerback Mike Hughes and Broncos running back Phillip Lindsay were also in the running of the NFL.com voting poll.“It was nice to see [Ward] make plays
Baker Mayfield Jersey White , and it was also a big smile to my face of how comfortable he felt playing in the game,” defensive coordinator Gregg Williams said Friday. “He has some things he has to continue to improve.”Despite the remarkable debut, the rookie allowed a back-shoulder touchdown to Antonio Brown. Yep, that guy. Although Ward played it nearly perfectly, Ben Roethlisberger was able to thread the needle, putting the ball inches—maybe millimeters—out of Ward’s reach as he reacted to the play.“We call that play – I am glad you said that – an earned play. That play was highly earned
Denzel Ward Jersey ,” Williams said of the picture-perfect touchdown. “He was as good as you can almost be. “Just a small percentage point that he is usually able to separate the ball at the very end of the play.”In his first game, Ward balled out, and he came microscopically close to thwarting an excellent play between savvy veterans. Williams acknowledged them “earning” that score, and then said he hasn’t lost trust in his young corner and will continue to put him in those positions.There’s something to Ward’s reserved-but-confident demeanor. From the jump he has shown up saying very little while letting his play speak for itself.That play has so far surprised many who questioned his selection so high in the draft. Those people probably hadn’t seen him play before and didn’t understand the technical talent and physical skills he brings to the table.Those people are quickly becoming believers.The newer but just as deadly Drew Brees and Michael Thomas combo are up next, so we’ll see what the rookie has for an encore this Sunday in the dome. Baker Mayfield isn’t a welsher.The Browns quarterback made good on his friendly (but expensive) wager with Giants running back Saquon Barkley regarding the 2018 offensive rookie of the year prize. Barkley won the award, so Mayfield commissioned a gold-and-diamond chain that says “QUADS.”That’s a reference to Barkley’s enormous upper legs
Jarvis Landry Jersey , and a truncated version of a nickname for which Barkley doesn’t particularly care: Saquad.“It’ll say ‘quads’ on it,” Mayfield said in February, via Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. “Not ‘Saquads’ but just ‘quads.’ The two extra letters in there cost a little bit extra money, so we’ll stick with just ‘quads.'”Barkley was bracing for something like that, and possibly worse.“The bad thing about that is, the loser picks
Myles Garrett Jersey , so I don’t get to pick,” Barkley said after winning the offensive rookie of the year award over Mayfield, via Cabot. “With Baker Mayfield, you never know what you’re going to get. But yeah, we made a little fun bet just to show that obviously we both want to win this award, but it’s bigger than us. . . . It’s about a friendship
Jim Brown Jersey White , and the love that we have for each other. But I did win, so I do get a chain and he gets to pick and whatever he picks I’m just going to wear it and that’s a gift.”Barkley now has it. And Mayfield hasn’t disclosed how much it cost.Hopefully, Mayfield didn’t buy it from Drew Brees‘ jeweler. Hopefully, Barkley won’t leave it unattended while he goes for a workout.
