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Jack Conklin holds off TJ Watt in Browns win

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

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

Here are three game players 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 with players and coaches during media time – and for good reason. The 2021 Defensive Player of the Year had 7.5 sacks 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 and finished with four total tackles and one tackle for loss.

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

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

Conklin said he felt the snow — which was brutal in the second half — gave the offensive line a slight advantage in pass protection because it slowed Watt and the other Steelers pass rushers.

Additionally, the Browns used chip blocks and slides on the offensive line to help Conklin keep Watt at bay.

On the Browns’ crucial third down conversion on their final drive of the game, RB Jerome Ford’s 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. The quarterback plays fast. I had some help with some shifts and stuff. I just kept working,” Conklin said.