Browns DC blames Denzel Ward’s ‘stupid’ tackling for injury

Cleveland Browns rookie cornerback Denzel Ward’s back spasms do not appear to be serious, but the team’s defensive coordinator is hoping it’s still a lesson learned.

Browns defensive coordinator Gregg Williams blamed the injury, which Ward sustained during Thursday’s preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles, on poor tackling form on Ward’s part.

“I was glad to hear (it wasn’t serious) and maybe he’ll finally listen to me and stop doing those stupid things the way he’s trying to tackle and tackle the way I tell him to tackle and he won’t get hurt,” Williams said Sunday, via Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com.

Ward tried to wrap up and take down tight end Zach Ertz, but got twisted up making the tackle. According to Williams, Ward’s failure to cut the larger tight end was his first mistake.

“It depends on the size of the person, and also I’m not worried as much about the wrap-up part of it,” Williams said. “It’s about getting the guy to the ground. A lot of times what you do is you cut the guy. He should have cut the guy at that time right there instead of a 290-pound man running over his face.”

Williams has been a clear supporter of Ward, but that doesn’t mean he’s going to lay off when Ward is doing something wrong. Clearly he saw that here.