49ers CB Makes a Bold Statement About His Play Today…
San Francisco 49ers cornerback Charvarius Ward is having a career season.
The sixth-year cornerback already has two interceptions and a league-leading 20 pass breakups in his second season with the 49ers.
He’s playing at a Pro Bowl level for sure, but Ward also believes he’s among the best at his position in the NFL.
Ward told teammate Arik Armstead on Armstead’s podcast, “Third and Long,” that he could be the top defensive back in the league once he starts wracking up more interceptions.
“I’m really starting to feel like I’m a top-five, top-three corner in the league,” Ward said. “Right now, I’m leading the league in PBUs but like, bro, when I start catching those interceptions I might be the top DB in the NFL … I feel like I got that talent and that ability.”
A bold statement for sure, but not one without merit.
Ward has allowed the ninth-lowest completion percentage among defensive backs with at least 50 targets this season (54.3 percent) to go along with his 20 pass break-ups.
However, Ward has a lot of competition for the top spot among his peers.
Dallas Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland has four times as many interceptions as Ward does this year – five of which he’s taken back for touchdowns – while others like Cleveland Browns cornerbacks Martin Emerson Jr. and Denzel Ward and Kansas City Chiefs cornerback L’Jarius Sneed have allowed less than a 50 percent completion rate this season.
Veteran studs like Stephon Gilmore and Jalen Ramsey are still playing sensational football, too.
But, as Ward said, he could skyrocket to the top of the list if he hauled in more interceptions.