| Browns SS T.J. Ward is one of the NFL's best tacklers. (US Presswire) |
When the Browns picked strong safety T.J. Ward in the second round of the 2010 draft, it was a foregone conclusion he would help their run defense. He was an accomplished tackler coming out of the University of Oregon.
That promise has been realized. The hard-hitting Ward is among the most dependable tacklers at his position in the league. Pro Football Focus ranks him as the third-surest tackler this season of all NFL safeties.
But Ward has also emerged in coverage while defending tight ends. A good example was last Sunday when he blanked Chargers stud Antonio Gates to key a 7-6 Browns victory. Gates managed two short catches, neither against Ward.
"I'm learning how to guard tight ends," he said. "I like to get my hands on them. I want to get to the point where I'm feeling them all the time. It's just a matter of improved techniques and using my help to my advantage."
Ward was playing the best football of his young career early last year before a foot injury knocked him out of the last eight games. He has been solid throughout this season, but he declined to compare his performance this year to years past. He prefers to set the bar high.
"I'm playing pretty good football, but I wouldn't say I'm playing my best," he said. "I'm always looking to get better. I'll never say I'm playing my best football. My numbers aren't as good, though without the numbers saying so, I have made plays that you can't put in the statistics.
"I've been in more situations with one-on-one coverage, especially against tight ends. I think I've done a good job with all of those. I've had more opportunities and have done a better job."
One might argue that Ward is playing close to a Pro Bowl level, but those taking interceptions into great consideration wouldn't vote for him. He has two career picks -- both against Jacksonville on November 21, 2010. That was 22 games ago.
MoMass or no MoMass? Wide receiver Mohamed Massaquoi has been practicing for two weeks and has been a full participant this week. But coach Pat Shurmur has yet to commit him to being active Sunday against Baltimore. He would certainly be considered a healthy scratch if he doesn't play.
Massaquoi caught nine passes for 145 yards before injuring his hamstring in Week 3. He peaked in the loss at Cincinnati with five receptions for 90 yards. It was among the most productive games of his career. But he missed the next five with the injury while receivers such as Josh Gordon performed well. He is now arguably behind Gordon, Greg Little, Travis Benjamin, Josh Cribbs and even recently promoted Josh Cooper in the hearts and minds of Shurmur and offensive coordinator Brad Childress.
"It's been frustrating -- I didn't expect it to take that long (to get back on the field)," Massaquoi said.
Asked where he fits into the new scheme of things at that position, he said, "I don't think anyone's production is going to drop. It's just another piece [added] to the puzzle."
Shurmur doesn't believe the possible return of Massaquoi will greatly affect a corps that has made strides in recent weeks and is developing some depth.
"I think we've rotated the receivers throughout the year," he said. "When we put the plan together, there are certain things they're in for and certain things they're not. We'll get him back in there as much as he can ... if he's active."
Therein lies the rub. One might not have imagined early this season Shurmur even considering the possibility of keeping a healthy Massaquoi sidelined.
The 'inside' scoop: The Browns have promoted defensive tackle Ronnie Cameron from the practice squad. Ahtyba Rubin (calf) hasn't practiced all week and is almost certainly out for Sunday, but Phil Taylor has returned from pectoral surgery in May.
Taylor, however, will receive limited snaps. Look for rookies Billy Winn and John Hughes to start inside.
Bits and pieces: Shurmur said he's happy that RB Brandon Jackson is dissatisfied with his role and added, "Who knows? He could be active on Sunday." Shurmur said Jackson has practiced hard and handled his disappointment well. ... KR/PR Josh Cribbs and Buffalo's Leodis McKelvin are the only NFL players to rank in the top five in both kickoff- and punt-return average. Cribbs is fourth in both. ... The Browns have lost nine consecutive games to Baltimore. Their last win was 33-30 in overtime in 2007. They beat the Ravens both times that year. Not surprisingly, that was also their last winning season.
Stay dialed in on the Cleveland Browns on Twitter at @CBSBrowns throughout the season with on-site updates from CBSSports.com RapidReports correspondent Marty Gitlin.