Fansided

Broncos safety T.J. Ward receives one-game suspension

By Josh Criswell

Aug 7, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos safety T.J. Ward (43) grabs the face mask of Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during the first half at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 7, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos safety T.J. Ward (43) grabs the face mask of Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during the first half at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Denver Broncos will begin the season without starting safety T.J. Ward, who is suspended one game for a violation of the NFL’s personal conduct policy. 

The Broncos are looking to bring the first Super Bowl victory to Denver since 1998 this season. That quest will begin without starting safety T.J. Ward, who was suspended one game by the NFL for an arrest that occurred last offseason.

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The arrest occurred in May of 2014 for an incident at a Denver strip club. Ward was charged with misdemeanor assault and disturbing the peace after allegedly throwing a glass mug at a female bartender. According to court documents, security camera footage confirmed his actions.

At the time, Ward felt the incident was being blown out of proportion, which is pretty ridiculous considering the severe domestic violence issue that was on the NFL’s hands. This occurred during the middle of the Ray Rice domestic violence scandal, and Ward is lucky that this story did not garner more attention from the national media.

"“It was kind of blown out of proportion, now it’s being taken care of, it’s only basically a ticket or summons,” Ward told ESPN. “It wasn’t supposed to be a warrant initially, but there was some miscommunication with the police department and myself…I didn’t think anything was wrong actually until I heard about the warrant.”"

The Broncos will be without Ward for their Week 1 matchup with the Baltimore Ravens. While an aging Steve Smith and rookie Breshad Perriman do not exactly instill fear in opposing defenses, the presence of Joe Flacco under center will make Denver wish they had their hard-hitting safety roaming the secondary.

Ward made the Pro Bowl in his first season of a four-year, $22.5 million contract, but his performance was nothing spectacular. According to NFL.com, he ranked 131st out of 170 eligible safeties in 2014. He recorded two interceptions, two sacks and 74 total tackles, but had just six pass deflections on the year.

Ward will likely be replaced at strong safety by veteran defensive back David Bruton.

While he has never been able to establish himself as a full-time starter, Bruton has been a reliable player throughout his NFL career. During his six years in the league, he has missed just five out of 96 games.

The Broncos ranked ninth in the NFL in passing defense last season, and although Ward struggled, he will be a major factor in the secondary’s success in 2015.

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