The Cleveland Browns may need to lean on their defense this season especially for however long QB Deshaun Watson is out. The Browns offense will always be solid in the run with their offensive line and stable of running backs but questions as wide receiver with Jacoby Brissett at quarterback can’t be ignored.
John Johnson III introduced the term “Alpha Dawgs” that the defense was going to be using this year. With a focus on creating turnovers, Cleveland wants to emphasize that mentality early in training camp and the preseason.
In the Browns opening preseason victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars, the defense forced three turnovers including two interceptions. Tuesday, CB Denzel Ward told reporters that he promised $400 to anyone who got an interception:
#Browns Denzel Ward offered $400 for an INT, so rookie Martin Emerson got paid for his pick-six vs. #Jaguars pic.twitter.com/TuO20n0CFl
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) August 16, 2022
Rookie CB Martin Emerson and CB Herb Miller were the gracious recipients of that promise from Ward, who just recently returned off the team’s physically unable to perform list.
A little financial reward is one way to encourage the “Alpha Dawgs” to get those turnovers. After signing a huge extension this offseason, Ward is putting a small amount of that money to good use.
Maybe we will even hear how Emerson and Miller chose to spend that reward money.
