Season so far
Jay Ward has functioned almost entirely as a core special teamer through two games, earning a replacement-level 63.6 overall grade across 45 snaps. His workload is concentrated heavily in the third phase, with 43 special teams reps compared to just two snaps on defense in coverage. Ward has shown positive flashes across coverage and return units, highlighted by a block shed for a solo tackle in Week 2 and a crucial jam that sprung an 86-yard punt return touchdown in Week 3. He also drew a holding penalty on kickoff coverage against Tampa Bay by working through contact. However, his grade dipped slightly in Week 3 after he was sealed inside on kickoff coverage, resulting in lost lane integrity on a 32-yard return.