Browns CB Denzel Ward may have just barked up the wrong tree ahead of Cleveland hosting Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals

Ward has tallied 42 tackles and three interceptions against the Bengals, including a memorable 100-yard pick-six on a pass intended for Ja’Marr Chase. Overall, the Pro Bowl corner has fared well against Cincinnati’s star wide receiver duo of Chase and Tee Higgins. Now, he’ll need to back up his words if Burrow does decide to test him. With Martin Emerson Jr. sidelined, Ward’s performance becomes even more crucial, as Cleveland’s cornerback room is already thinner than expected.

Defensive points and turnovers could be the difference in giving the Browns an opening-week win over the Bengals. All eyes will be on the Chase–Ward matchup, the very definition of iron sharpening iron whenever the two face off.

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