Browns’ Denzel Ward changing tackling technique after rookie concussions

Cleveland Browns Pro Bowler Denzel Ward is vowing to make some changes after suffering multiple concussions in short order as a rookie.

Addressing reporters Thursday, the young cornerback, who was concussed twice in the span of three weeks last season, discussed his tackling technique.

“The first concussion I got really wasn’t on a tackle,” said Ward, according to Nate Ulrich of 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.

“I got my head in there a few times on plays that I shouldn’t,” he added. “I think I was just trying to be too physical at times and go up against guys that were 260. So I just got to get lower and just tackle a lot smarter if I could.”

Ward, the No. 4 pick in last year’s draft, was phenomenal in 13 games for the Browns as a rookie, logging 53 combined tackles, three interceptions, and 11 pass deflections. More consciousness about his health will be a plus, especially since his tackling technique was a source of friction for the team last season.