Ohio State Football: Buckeyes’ performances in the NFL week 5

Denzel Ward played game-winning defense for the Browns on Sunday. Here’s how the former Ohio State football player led his team to the victory.

When the Cleveland Browns drafted former Ohio State cornerback Denzel Ward fourth overall in the draft this year, many considered it a reach. Ward took to the field against the division rival Baltimore Ravens and further demonstrated why the Browns were right to take him at that pick. He is this week’s spotlight Buckeye in the NFL.

Ward came down with a vital interception for his team deep inside of their own territory. If not for his turnover at the Cleveland 3-yard line, Joe  Flacco’s squad would have likely scored at least three points.

In a game that was as tightly contested throughout as this one, that sort of play can be, and likely was, the difference between a win and a loss.

Ward denied the Ravens from scoring again just before the first half ended. He blocked Justin Tucker’s 48 yard field goal attempt to keep the Browns ahead at the break.

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Ward had three pass deflections and four solo tackles in the game as well. The Browns’ defense has been visibly better this year, and his coverage has contributed to that improvement.

So far this season, Ward has forced a fumble, recovered another, has three interceptions and deflected six passes.

Elsewhere in the League, former Buckeyes didn’t have the sort of game Ward enjoyed. Ezekiel Elliot failed to score a touchdown and was limited to 84 total yards. The Cowboys typically lose when they can’t get Elliott going because the team relies on him for production.

Michael Thomas of the New Orleans Saints also struggled to locate the end zone. He only caught four passes for 74 yards, and his production has dropped the last two weeks. Prior to last week, he was targeted double-digit times in each game but has failed to see more than five since then.