Denzel Ward forces takeaways
Heading into Week 11, the Browns secondary had been looking to improve their takeaway numbers.
Through their first nine games of the season, the Browns were one of just two teams in the NFL with only one interception. With another four fumble recoveries, the Browns also had the fewest takeaways in the league.
They ended that drought against the Saints, as CB Denzel Ward picked off a pass from Saints TE Taysom Hill intended for WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling in the first quarter. Ward then forced a fumble in the second quarter and recovered the ball to give the Browns offense the ball back with two minutes left in the first half.
“Through my mind, I’m always thinking about the ball,” Ward said. “So, I see it right there next to me, so I’m punching at it, ripping at it, doing anything I can to get to it. And then had the chance to get it out, and dove on it and get the turnover.”
Ward also had a pass breakup to kick off the fourth quarter as Carr threw a deep pass intended for Valdes-Scantling in the red zone that prevented a big play for the Saints.
Ward finished the game with four tackles, one interception, two passes defensed, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. It was his first interception of the season and 16th of his career. He is leading the team this season with 17 passes defensed.
“It felt real good just trying to do as much as I can to help this team win, trying to find a way to get wins,” Ward said. “That’s most important. So that’s the main focus. But definitely felt good to finally get a takeover. I definitely think they’ll start rolling in.”
The takeaways were key defensive moments for a Browns defense that struggled throughout the game to stop the Saints. They gave up eight explosive plays, including a 71-yard touchdown pass to Valdes-Scantling in the second quarter, a 33-yard touchdown run by Hill on a direct snap in the fourth quarter and another 75-yard touchdown run by Hill late in the fourth quarter.