Ward was on the receiving end of a late-quarter matchup that yielded a 21-yard Jefferson catch over him and a costly misread on Addison’s late TD. He owned the mistake, vowing to reroute and lead better in critical moments, balancing solid overall coverage with a painful final sequence.

Ward anchors the Browns’ corner duo, expected to shadow or contest Justin Jefferson and challenge the Vikings’ aerial attack with help from the safety corps.

Ward secures an interception, anchoring a strong defensive effort alongside Newsome and the linebackers.

Ward supplied a key defensive moment with an interception, underscoring Cleveland’s potential when the offense can stabilize. His value hinges on the broader health and consistency of the unit amid QB volatility.

Ward’s shutdown ability came into play against Lions’ passing attempts; he’s a cornerstone in Cleveland’s secondary, capable of creating game-changing plays when healthy.