Steve Doerschuk

Sporting News

BAREA, Ohio—T.J. Ward’s goal—giving the Browns the kind of juice at safety that Troy Polamalu gives the Steelers—isn’t quite back on course. Getting Ward back in uniform from a hamstring injury, though, is a sight for coordinator Dick Jauron’s sore eyes.

Ward had a strong 2010 as a rookie Round 2 draft pick and thinks he can take a huge jump playing a position that is more natural to him, under Jauron. In Rob Ryan’s 3-4, the Browns frequently played their safeties side by side, giving them interchangeable roles. Under Jauron, Ward will be a classic strong safety, which, given the fact he is a thumper against the run and is good in coverage, suits him well. He relishes playing in the box and thinks he can make a lot of interceptions.

There is a big dropoff between Ward and his backup, Bubba Ventrone. Ventrone is an elite special teams player, but he is too small to be a strong safety and does not have Ward’s instincts.

Read more: http://aol.sportingnews.com/nfl/story/2011-08-29/cleveland-browns-team-report-defense-welcomes-back-ward#ixzz1WZ4J0m6d