Jack Conklin holds off TJ Watt in Browns’ win

The Browns earned a hard-fought win, 24-19, in the snow over the Steelers on Thursday Night Football, bringing their record to 3-8 on the season.

“This team, we talk about being resilient and sometimes you have to show it, and I thought they showed it tonight,” head coach Kevin Stefanski said after the game. “Complementary football when we needed it the most and I’m just proud of those guys.”

Here are three players of the game from the Browns’ primetime win over the Steelers.

In the week leading up to the game, Steelers LB TJ Watt was a frequent topic of conversation during the media’s time with players and coaches – and for good reason. The 2021 Defensive Player of the Year had 7.5 sacks on the season entering Thursday Night Football and led the NFL with 19 sacks last season.

In the Browns’ win over the Steelers, Watt was held without a sack, finishing with four total tackles and one tackle for loss.

Facing Watt for a majority of snaps was RT Jack Conklin, whose performance kept QB Jameis Winston upright and with ample time to throw the ball.

“Jack’s a guy that has played well for us,” Stefanski said after the game. “We trust him. Watt’s a great player. He’s a really a great player. He has our respect. He certainly gets our attention in these games, but Jack did a great job.”

Conklin said he felt the snow – which was unrelenting in the second half – gave the offensive line a slight advantage in pass protection, as he slowed down Watt and the other Steelers pass rushers.

In addition, the Browns employed chip blocks and slides on the offensive line to help Conklin keep Watt at bay.

On the Browns’ pivotal third down conversion on their final drive of the game, RB Jerome Ford chip blocked Watt, who was met by Conklin. With a clean pocket, Winston was able to find WR Jerry Jeudy for a 15-yard gain that led to their eventual game-winning touchdown.

“It was a team effort. I had a lot of help too and the snow definitely helps too. But it was a team effort. Quarterback’s playing fast. Had some help with some shifts and stuff. Just kept working,” Conklin said.