Cleveland Browns: 5 matchups vs Steelers that will decide the victor

Cleveland Browns Matchup No. 3: Jack Conklin vs T.J. Watt

Since the day he was drafted in 2017, Pittsburgh edge rusher T.J. Watt has been a thorn in the side, and if we are being honest, and in the buttocks of Cleveland Browns quarterbacks. In seven career games against the Browns Watt has recorded nine sacks.

However, in his last two games versus the Browns, Watt has not been able to get Baker Mayfield on the ground. So, what changed for the talented outside linebacker? The answer, two words: Jack Conklin. For every action, there must be a reaction, and Andrew Berry’s reaction to T.J. Watt was to sign free agent Jack Conklin.

Conklin, a First-Team All-Pro in 2020, will once again be manning the right tackle position after missing two games due to injury. His return could not come at a better time for the Browns with Watt and the Steelers coming to town. Strength vs. strength, fighting fire with fire, or basically any analogy you want to use is fitting for this heavyweight matchup.

Keeping Mayfield upright and healthy is priority number one for this Browns offense right now and keeping Watt at bay is critical to ensuring that mission. If Conklin can shut Watt out for a third straight contest, the Browns have to like their chances against this Steelers’ defense.