JAMES CONNER
Running Back
The first time these teams met this season – on Sept. 9 at FirstEnergy Stadium – his fumble with seven minutes left in the fourth quarter sparked a Browns comeback that had the game end in a 21-21 tie. In the rematch today at Heinz Field, James Conner finished off the Browns.
Conner rushed for 146 yards on 24 carries (6.1 average) and added another 66 yards receiving on five catches to finish with 212 yards from scrimmage on 29 touches. He also scored two rushing touchdowns, the second of which came with 2:04 remaining, upped the Steelers' lead to 33-12, and iced a victory that ended up being 33-18 after a garbage time touchdown by Cleveland. Conner became the first running back in Steelers history to post two rushing touchdowns in three straight games.
Conner is the Steelers Digest Player of the Week.
Also considered were the starting offense line – Al Villanueva, Ramon Foster, Maurkice Pouncey, David DeCastro, and Matt Feiler – who paved the way for the Steelers to finish with 168 yards rushing (5.4 average) and two touchdowns, while also providing Ben Roethlisberger with the time to pass for 257 yards and two touchdowns on 36 attempts while only being sacked once; Roethlisberger, who completed 67 percent of those 36 attempts and also converted two third downs with sneaks; Joe Haden, who had three tackles, two passes defensed, and an interception while helping to hold Jarvis Landry to 39 receiving yards; Stephon Tuitt, who had seven tackles, a sack, and two total hits on the quarterback; T.J. Watt, who had seven tackles and a sack; and Antonio Brown, who had six catches for 74 yards and two touchdowns.
