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DC Dennard Wilson thinks Jihad Ward can be ‘good factor’ in Giants defense
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- DC Dennard Wilson thinks Jihad Ward can be ‘good factor’ in Giants defense
Looking to add some reinforcements to their defensive line after losing Brian Burns for the rest of the season, the Giants reunited with an old friend this week, signing Jihad Ward off the Vikings' practice squad .
Ward comes with plenty of familiarity around the organization.
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He's not only already played two years with Big Blue, but he also spent time under head coach John Harbaughin Baltimore , and was with new DC Dennard Wilsonand the Titans last season.
Coming off a down year, the 31-year-old thrived playing in Wilson's system.
Ward appeared in all 17 of Tennessee 's games (starting 12 of them) and he recorded career-highs in defensive snaps (708), quarterback hits (22), and sacks (5.0).
"Haddy is a guy that played extremely well for me," Wilson said. "He brings versatility to play on the edge, he brings versatility to play in the middle of the defense if we need, and he can be an interior rusher if we need, too."
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That versatility should be a huge boost for the now shorthanded Giants pass rush.
It also shouldn't be long before we see Ward back out there making his mark, being that he's already been practicing with Minnesota and brings so much familiarity with the defensive system.
"Haddy's going to be ready when his number is called," Wilson said. "We'll see how it plays out from today going forward to Sunday and the weeks after that -- but he's an ultimate professional, and he's going to be prepared.
"He's been in camp with the Vikings, he's in shape, so we'll see how the chips fall here -- I feel that Haddy could be a good factor in our defense moving forward."
