The Cleveland Browns open their season on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals and Denzel Ward is planning on making life hard for Joe Burrow.
Ward is eager to see the Bengals and their high-powered passing attack that features Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. The four-time Pro Bowl cornerback wants to see a lot of targets come his way and might even urge Burrow to do so.
“I like making plays on the ball and being a factor in a game. I’m looking forward to going into the game, and hopefully they target me a lot,” Ward said on Wednesday. I’m going to send Joe Burrow some texts, tell him throw at me and go from there.
The Browns are a 5.5-point underdog at home for the matchup against the Bengals. Burrow passed for 4,918 yards, 43 touchdowns and nine interceptions last season. Chase, who will likely see a lot of Ward, is coming off a career year where he caught 127 passes for 1,708 yards and 17 touchdowns.
Cincinnati has won four of the last five against the Browns. Cleveland took the season-opener in 2023, limiting the Bengals to just 142 total yards and Burrow to a career-low 82 yards passing.
Ward has been dealing with a shoulder injury and was limited during Wednesday’s practice. But by the way he’s talking, Ward sounds ready to roll for the opener.
Browns Calls Bengals ‘Great Test’ to Open Season
While Ward is confident, the Browns still have a great deal of respect for what Burrow can do.
“He’s a great player. I have a ton of respect for how he goes about his business,” Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said. “If you look at the stats, I mean, he’s at the top of the list for everything, as well are the wide receivers who are outstanding. So, it’s a great test for our team.”
The Browns’ plan to slow down the Bengals’ offense starts up front, with superstar pass rusher Myles Garrett and the defensive line eager to put the heat on Joe Burrow. But it won’t be easy.
“He’s good versus the blitz, he’s good when you don’t blitz. He’s good when he holds the ball, he’s good when he gets the ball out,” Stefanski said. “So, it really comes back to playing sound defense across the board. This is a huge, huge challenge. It’s a really good scheme. They have good players across the board. But we have to be about our business.”
Browns to Start 40-year-old Joe Flacco Against Bengals
The Browns will be relying on 40-year-old Joe Flacco to lead their offense. He won the battle for the starting gig in training camp and is ready to have some “fun” as he begins his second stint in Cleveland.
“I feel good. I think it’s just the constant reminders of play your role, do your part. This is a team game, and it’s about all of us going out there and preparing to do our job the right way,” Flacco said. “Everybody feels pretty good heading into week one. So, it’s a matter of realizing that this may be the last time you feel 100% and kind of just going in there with an open mind and having a lot of fun.”
The matchup kicks off a tough opening stretch for the Browns, which also includes the Ravens, Packers, Lions and Vikings.
Browns Star Hands Bengals QB Joe Burrow Bulletin Board Fuel