Across the Shield: Denzel Ward Has Two Interceptions, Michael Thomas Records 16 Catches, and Zeke Scores

By David Wertheim on September 10, 2018 at 9:05 am
Michael Thomas and Ted Ginn
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Once a Buckeye, always a Buckeye. Across the Shield follows those who once wore Scarlet and Gray on their journeys through the NFL.

Finally, the NFL regular season is here. As expected, many Buckeyes had great days, but unfortunately, a few others struggled. Let's take a look

Zeke Rumbles

Elliott had a "so-so" kind of day. The Cowboys could not get much done on offense whatsoever, as they mustered just 8 points total. BUT, Zeke had the lone touchdown, so it's alright. 

Zeke rushed for 69 yards on 15 carres (4.9 avg), and also recorded three catches for 17 yards. Oh, Rod Smith also got in the game: he had one carry for five yards. 

The Cowboys will take on the Giants next Sunday night nationally on NBC.

Denzel Ward's Impressive Debut

Could you possibly ask for a better debut from a rookie cornerback? Going up against Antonio Brown for most of the day, Denzel Ward recorded two beautiful interceptions off Big Ben Roethlisberger as the Browns *tied* the Steelers. 

As noted by ESPN's Field Yates, Ward is now the first player with two interceptions in his NFL debut since 1993.

Ward was excellent all afternoon, and definitely had an impressive debut against one of the game's top offenses.

Hue Jackson after the game said: "I think Denzel is made of the right stuff." I agree, coach. 

Elsewhere in this game, Carlos Hyde rushed for a touchdown: 

Hyde finished with 62 yards on 22 carries (2.8 avg) and that score.

Ginn Gallops To a Score

At 33 years young, Ted Ginn Jr. is still going strong.

That reception marked Ginn's 30th career receiving touchdown, as he is now in his second season with the Saints. Ginn finished today's game with five catches for 68 yards and that touchdown. Unfortunately for Ginn, he had a double-negative-whammy: The Saints lost, and he was massively upstaged by another familiar name...

Can't. Guard. Mike.

What a day for Michael Thomas. The absolute stud wideout had a whopping 16 catches for 180 yards and this touchdown. 

After recording 1,245 receiving yards last season, Thomas looked absolutely phenomenal all game long, as the Saints rolled their way to 40 points (although they did end up on the wrong side of the scoreboard). 

If you're wondering who the Saints offense will take out their anger on next week, it's... the Cleveland Browns.

Rough Start For Price

Not everything was peaches and cream for Buckeyes, however. As the soon-to-be Greatest Football Team of All Time (the 2018 Cincinnati Bengals) began their season against Indianapolis, Billy Price had a really rough first half in his NFL debut. 

Price got absolutely destroyed on this play, which ended with an Andy Dalton interception.

It seemed as though Price settled in more during the second half, and looked alright. His running back, Joe Mixon, rushed for 95 yards on 17 carries (5.6 YPC). Mixon added a touchdown, which was speared by (*checks notes*) fullback Sam Hubbard? 

Hubbard got the lead block on this play which allowed Mixon to score. The touchdown put the Bengals ahead, and they never looked back, winning 34-23 over the Colts. Former Buckeye Malik Hooker recorded four tackles for Indianapolis. The Bengals will take on Baltimore Thursday night, if you want to see Price and Hubbard dominate the poor Baltimore Ravens.

Rough Coaching Debut

In case you hadn't heard, former Buckeye standout Mike Vrabel is now coaching the Tennessee Titans. Unfortunately, his debut did not go according to plan, as the Titans fell 27-20 to the Miami Dolphins after a long weather delay. 

This was a summation of the day for the Titans, who lost their starting quarterback, left tackle, and tight end to injury, in addition to falling down to 0-1.

The good news... things can only go up for Vrabel. 

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