Dawand Jones top marks for his ability to tackle T.J. Watt in the Browns’ win over Pittsburgh on Sunday
Dawand Jones came into Sunday’s game against the Steelers after working out all week with the Browns with a knee and shoulder injury.
could stop him from being there for his team on Sunday.
While most fans believed his availability would mean he would line up at right tackle every snap, the coaching staff had other plans for Jones, alternating him with veteran James Hudson III throughout the game.
Despite some injuries, Jones did everything he could to slow down one of the best players in the league, T.J. Watt. It became clear early on that Jones was filling in in the most obvious passing situations, with an emphasis on limiting Watt.
This means Watt knew what was going to happen every time Jones entered the game. However, that didn’t stop the rookie from having a remarkable day in his duels, in just his seventh career game.
Not only was Jones up to the task, he dominated it. Against Watt on Sunday, he had 19 pass blocks and allowed no sacks or pressures to the former Defensive Player of the Year.
He would finish the day with a PFF grade of 68.9, good for third on Cleveland’s offense.
Watt recorded a sack that afternoon, but it was a run against Hudson III.
Not only has Jones been a pleasant surprise for the Browns, but he is rightfully in the discussion for Rookie of the Year honors.
Despite him losing Jack Conklin to a season-ending injury in Week 1, the offensive line barely missed a beat with Jones in place of him.
It’s surprising that “Big Thanos” fell all the way to the 4th round, where the Browns managed to select him. Jones’ first game was in Week 2 against the Steelers and the progression from there is obvious.
Browns legend and Hall of Famer Joe Thomas spoke on the Cleveland Browns Daily today and expressed how impressed he is with the Ohio State product.
In a tweet, he shared his thoughts on a particular play comparing Jones to Watt and praised the rookie.
Cleveland struck gold with the selection of Dawand Jones.
He continues to prove that he doesn’t just belong in this league and may have already established himself as the Browns tackle of the future.
