Denzel Ward will encounter a familiar face on the other side when the Cleveland Browns meet the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.

The Browns cornerback spent four seasons alongside Baker Mayfield in Cleveland, and their reunion will bring plenty of history into the matchup.

Ward, however, remains focused on helping the Browns secure their first win of the new season. Speaking to reporters Wednesday, the cornerback admitted he would enjoy making a big play against his former teammate:

"Yeah, Baker's an old friend of mine, a good friend of mine. And yeah, definitely any interception any week is always good, but definitely would enjoy getting one off of him this week."

Ward then stressed that winning remains his priority. Still, he knows an interception could play a major role in helping Cleveland achieve that goal:

"But the main goal is to go in and win, but getting the interception is going to help us win. So hopefully I can go out there and help this team do that."

Baker Mayfield's competitive mentality could fuel reunion with Browns

Baker Mayfield will also have extra motivation when he faces his former team in Tampa Bay.

Denzel Ward believes the veteran quarterback thrives when he has something to motivate him.

"Baker's a guy that feeds off of motivation, a lot of things, and I know he's competitive and any game he's going to want to come in and do his best. But I'm sure he's definitely motivated for the game."

Mayfield will look to respond after Tampa Bay's Week 1 defeat; meanwhile, Ward expects that competitive edge to remain a major part of his former teammate's approach.

Written by

Sayantan