Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Ja’Marr Chase crowns Denzel Ward as his toughest rival

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics | By Nathan Yasis | Last updated Jul 14, 2025 10:50 AM ET

Ja’Marr Chase tore through the 2024 season, topping the NFL in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns to secure the rare triple crown. When it came to naming his toughest matchup, the Cincinnati Bengals star didn’t flinch— he singled out Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward without hesitation.

“It’s easy. I mean, Denzel,” said the Bengals superstar. “It’s twice a year. It’s one on one majority of the time. He got great feet. He knows leverage, he knows splits. He’s one of the best I like playing.”

Since entering the league in 2021, Ja’Marr Chase has faced the Browns seven times, with Denzel Ward active for five of those matchups. In those five games, Chase has totaled 32 catches on 51 targets for 359 yards and three touchdowns, per Pro Football Reference—averaging 6.4 receptions and 71.8 yards per outing. Solid production, but below Chase’s usual standard, giving weight to Ward’s reputation as a tough cover.

Ward hasn’t shadowed Chase on every snap, but his presence has clearly made a difference for Cleveland’s defense.

Jalen Ward with the Browns

Last season, Ward piled up 49 tackles, paced the NFL with a career‑high 19 pass deflections, snagged two interceptions, forced a fumble and recovered one. In a Browns defense that yielded 342.1 yards per game, he provided one of its rare defensive sparks.

Cleveland needed every bit of it. After showing signs of progress in 2023, the Browns collapsed in 2024, limping to a 3-14 record and missing the playoffs for the third time in four years. The season quickly unraveled, but Ward’s consistent impact offered one of the few reasons for optimism.

Injuries have been a challenge throughout Denzel Ward’s career, but he managed to suit up for a personal-best 16 games last season. And in both matchups against Cleveland, he helped keep Ja’Marr Chase in check—limiting the star receiver to fewer than seven catches and under 100 yards each time.

The Browns and Bengals will reignite their rivalry to kick off the 2025 NFL season on September 7 in Cleveland, with a rematch set for the final weekend in January. While plenty of subplots will unfold, all eyes will be on the next chapter in the battle between Ja’Marr Chase and the corner who continues to challenge him the most.

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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