At least one aspect of Gregg Williams' tenure in Cleveland has carried over into the new regime. The former Browns' defensive coordinator told media at various points last season that star rookie cornerback Denzel Ward needed to work on his tackling technique, or he would continue to suffer from injuries — Ward had multiple concussions in 2018.
Ward is still hearing about his tackling technique needing to improve from new defensive coordinator Steve Wilks.
Ward says he’s putting more thought into hitting with his shoulders, not his helmet, to protect himself.
“The first concussion I got really wasn’t on a tackle,” Ward said, via the Akron Beacon Journal. “I kind of got my head in there on two guys coming across from me. Once you get your first concussion, you’re susceptible to another one. It was kind of a short period of time. I ended up getting another concussion going up against a tight end on the sideline. I just have got to be smart about the tackling.”
Ward has never been afraid to make a tackle, and his physicality was one of his strong points coming out of Ohio State. But it is obvious NFL coaches are not fond of the way Ward tries to go about it.
Ward says leading with his head was a problem for him last year.
Wilks brings a reputation as a good defensive backs coach, so any flaws in Ward’s game will most likely be pointed out. Ward has shown he can impact games, so now he needs to make sure he doesn't have to leave them.
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