Jimmie Ward waited a long time to have a consistent opportunity to face off against Odell Beckham Jr. The San Francisco 49ers safety took full advantage of facing his 2014 draft mate on Monday night, having one of the best games of his career against the newest Los Angeles Rams wideout.
On the Rams' first drive with Beckham, head coach Sean McVay dialed up a play to get the ball to him -- only to be foiled by Ward. Matthew Stafford went deep to Beckham, but Ward picked off the pass that sparked the 49ers' rout of the Rams. Once Ward intercepted his first pass of the night, Beckham give him a hard push down to the ground as soon as Ward caught the ball.
Ward celebrated the interception, but he won't forget Beckham's one chance to hit him.
"I was just thinking about how Odell came and hit me. I have to pay him back next time that I see him," Ward said after Monday's win. "I have been waiting a long time to hit him so hopefully I can catch him."
Jimmie Ward making an impact early with that INT! 👏#LARvsSF on ESPN/49ers app pic.twitter.com/gRhfLo7ava
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) November 16, 2021
Not only did Ward wait five years to record an interception, he had two of them -- in the first quarter, Ward's second interception was returned 27 yards for a score to put San Francisco up double digits. Ward finished with two tackles, two interceptions, and two passes defensed in the game.
Rams head coach Sean McVay has made it a point of emphasis to target Ward in the Rams' matchups against the 49ers. Ward even mentioned he doesn't understand why McVay goes after him in games as frequently as he does. Ward clearly got the better of McVay in this meeting.
"No. I didn't look like he wanted to shake my hand. He was pissed," Ward said. "He is cool."
The 49ers face the Rams again on January 9, the final week of the regular season. Beckham and Ward will both have some vengeance in store for the rematch.
