Steelers Star OLB T.J. Watt Could Have Another Huge Game vs. Browns

T.J. Watt has another mismatch this week. After rocking Colton McKivitz against the 49ers last week, Watt turns around and will face Dawand Jones. The Steelers and Browns know what Watt can do to a given game, but they don’t know much of what the inexperienced Jones can do yet. However, the tape from last Sunday’s game against the Bengals showcased an intriguing player with great tools.

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The Steelers know the Browns lost standout right tackle Jack Conklin to a Torn ACL and MCL early in the game. It gave Jones plenty of reps to get his feet wet against the Bengals. Jones played 52 snaps against the Bengals, with 20 pass-blocking snaps peppered throughout that game. In those 20 reps, Jones allowed zero pressures. Of course, there were some rookie struggles, but that’s impressive for the rookie tackle.

Watt had three sacks against McKivitz, though. And he is a proven superstar who feasts even against top competition. Watt against a fourth-round rookie screams as a mismatch, no matter how good Jones looked on Sunday. With how much 12 personnel the Browns play, it seems likely that Jones will have some help against Watt, but even when McKivitz had help on Sunday, Watt seemed to destroy it. We are talking about one of the elite edge rushers in the NFL.

Alex Highsmith against Jedrick Wills is another matchup that favors Pittsburgh, too. Wills is anything but steady on the other side, and Cleveland may have to allocate help to both sides. So, if they focus on Watt, Highsmith could be due for a big day after facing Trent Williams. Watt has everything in this matchup, but that gives Jones very little to lose. He needs to compete on a snap-to-snap basis against Watt.

In particular, Jones’ hand usage and footwork need to be on point. Watt can win in just about any manner out there. But his deadliest move is the speed rush, explicitly using the cross chop off a combination. Jones has great length to help with that move, but Watt will be a force to watch in this game.

If the Browns look to get success in the passing game, Watt and Jones is the matchup to watch. He can wreck the game in his own right, and the Browns know that all too well. It’s sink or swim time for Jones, which makes this all the more intriguing as a matchup.