Denzel Ward has been very successful in coverage in his first two NFL seasons. That Pro Bowl-level play doesn’t stop the Browns cornerback, or his new coaches, from pushing to be even better.
One area in particular where new defensive coordinator Joe Woods is hoping he can help Ward is in the CB’s press coverage technique. Ward talked about it in his Zoom teleconference with reporters on Tuesday.
“They are going to teach new things,” Ward explained. “That is one thing. One thing specifically that I like is they are critiquing my technique, actually. Right now, I am kind of trying to learn a new technique that I played in press coverage a little differently than the years past. I have been working on that. That is one thing that I appreciate so far from Coach Woods and the rest of the staff.”
He admitted it’s not been an easy process to learn and implement a new technique while being away from the team facilities and working remotely with Woods and the coaches.
“Yeah, a little bit, just because I have not really worked that technique before,” Ward said when asked if it’s been hard. “It has been a fun process so far and learning the new technique. Just trying new things out and not really being one dimensional.”
Ward did not elaborate on the exact technique change. Having watched his game tape, I would suspect it involves his transition step(s) when he stops the early press; Ward often takes a deep step that leaves him vulnerable to quicker wideouts.
