Former Browns CB Greg Newsome II started opposite Ward in Week 1 when the Browns played the Bengals, but this time CB Tyson Campbell will help Ward limit Burrow. Campbell was traded to the Browns on Oct. 9, three days before the Browns’ Week 6 game against the Steelers.
Campbell has helped Cleveland hold opponents to under 200 passing yards, doing so in seven of his 11 games in a Browns uniform, including six of the last eight games. Since joining the secondary, Cleveland has allowed an average of 160 passing yards per game.
Burrow’s 276.8 passing yards per game since his return will be tested by a Cleveland secondary that has managed to hold quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers and Josh Allen to 160 or fewer passing yards in the past two games. Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz said facing Burrow presents a tough matchup for the Browns due to his skillset.
“I’ve always had respect for him, because not only is he a talented player,” Schwartz said. “He plays tough, uses his weapons, gets out of bad plays and into good plays, he can extend the play, but he can also throw it quick from the pocket.”
That challenge is one the Browns believe they are equipped to handle, largely because of the strength of their corners. With Ward continuing to lock down opposing receivers and Campbell adding to the secondary since his arrival, Cleveland has confidence in its ability to match up against Burrow and Cincinnati’s weapons for the second time this season.
“We have had good corners, and we trust those guys to be able to play,” Schwartz said.