The 49ers defense was a little shaky against the Cardinals, but Charvarius Ward certainly wasn't as he recorded two interceptions and his first-ever pick-six.
Sure, there were a few nervous moments here and there throughout the game. But the San Francisco 49ers made no major mistakes against the Arizona Cardinals as they recorded a 45-29 victory to go to 11-3 and lock up the NFC West in back-to-back seasons.
Read More: 49ers clinch NFC West, retain top seed after beating Cardinals
The defense looked a bit shakier than usual, and the Niners will be hoping that their starting defensive tackle duo in Javon Hargrave and Arik Armstead returns in time for the big showdown with the Baltimore Ravens in Week 16.
But cornerback Charvarius Ward had his best game as a 49er and perhaps a pro to help reel in some of that slack.
Ward had two interceptions for the game, including his first-ever pick-six as he anticipated quarterback Kyler Murray and cut in for the 66-yard interception and score.
It gave the 49ers the lead, which they wouldn't give up for the rest of the game.
Ward would then add to his tally with a garbage-time interception that'll nonetheless look good on the stat sheet, and it put the brakes on any unlikely Cardinals comeback and ensured San Francisco came away with the NFC West title.
So nice he did it twice.@itslilmooney #ProBowlVote #SFvsAZ on CBS pic.twitter.com/mFAlQXOEtI
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) December 17, 2023
Ward has undoubtedly been in the best form of his career, helping shore up a position that has been a position of relative weakness for the 49ers in recent years and recording some big stats in both interceptions and passes defended.
#49ers CB Charvarius Ward's three interceptions on the season are a new career high. That was the first touchdown of his career. Ward also leads the league in passes defended.
— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) December 17, 2023
Undoubtedly playing at a Pro Bowl level.
While there are still three games to go until the end of the season, Ward has undoubtedly been playing on an All-Pro level and already entered the week with an NFL-best 20 pass breakups. He's elevated his standard of play and is a big reason why the team has improved to 11-3, has the division clinched and is very close to taking the No. 1 seed in the NFC.
Of course, the Super Bowl will take precedence, but there's no reason why Ward can't get a little All-Pro love as well.