In addition to the contributions CB Denzel Ward has made to the Cleveland community as the Browns’ 2024 Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee, the seven-year veteran is in the middle of one of the best statistical seasons of his career.

"You can't help but be impressed with Denzel," defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz said. "He's a valuable member of our team. He's a valuable member of our defense, and he's a valuable member of the organization – because that goes beyond the team – and he's a valuable member of the community. He's just an all-around good guy."

As he prepares for a rematch against the Steelers in Week 14, Ward said he feels he's playing his best football.

His strong performance against the Broncos in Week 13 backs up that claim, as Ward caused two interceptions – one of his own and another courtesy of CB Greg Newsome II on a tipped ball from Ward.

On the pass breakup, Ward kept up with WR Troy Franklin, undercut a pass from QB Bo Nix and batted it high into the air where Newsome secured the interception.

In the fourth quarter, Ward once again made a dynamic play, keeping up with speedy WR Marvin Mims Jr. and laying out for an interception that led to a Browns touchdown on the ensuing drive.

"The interception that he made in that game, I was telling him the other day, that might be one of my top two interceptions in my 32 years in the NFL," Schwartz said. "Stretching out that much on that deep ball and making that play that far down the field. […] That was just really well executed and there's not many people in the league that can make that play, but Denzel can."

Ward's ability to impact games has been on display all season.

Through the first 12 games of the season, Ward leads the NFL with a career-high 19 passes defensed. The next-closest defensive back, Texans CB Derek Stingley Jr., has 15. With five games remaining in the season, Ward is on track for 27 passes defensed, which would be tied for the second-most in a single season since the stat was first tracked in 1999.

For Ward, earning personal accolades like an All-Pro or Pro Bowl selection is important, but his primary goal is to lead his team to a win each week.

"I'm a team guy. I mean, the main focus is trying to get the win. So, I'm really just out there trying to do the best as I can to help the team win and make plays," Ward said. "Our record is not where we want it to be, obviously, but that's not going to stop us from going out and competing every day."

Ward's focus is now on the Steelers, as the Browns will travel to Pittsburgh for their Week 14 matchup. Just two weeks prior, in Week 12, the Browns beat the Steelers 24-19 in Cleveland. The seven-year veteran recorded five total tackles and batted down QB Russell Wilson's Hail Mary attempt on the final play to seal the win for the Browns.

As the Browns look for their first season sweep of the Steelers since 1988, Ward's role in defending the Steelers explosive passing attack will be vital. When the Browns faced the Steelers in Week 13, Wilson threw five passes for 20 or more yards and three for over 30 yards. Three of their explosive plays came on scoring drives.

The Steelers have also accounted for the second-most passing plays of 20 or more yards in the NFL this season with 45, second to only the Vikings' 48. Meanwhile, the Browns have struggled to limit explosive passing plays, allowing the third-most passing plays of 20 or more yards with 44.

Ward, Schwartz and the rest of the Browns are well-aware of the explosive potential the Steelers present and the importance of preventing big plays if the Browns are to complete the season sweep.

"Just taking pride in our assignment and executing it to the best of our ability," Ward said on how the Browns can limit explosive plays. "There's going to be different plays every week, guys run different schemes and do different things as different players and we're just trying to eliminate it all. We've been playing a good game, but sometimes we'll let one get loose, but we just have to try to find a way to eliminate it and play a clean game."