Steelers vs Browns: 5 guys Pittsburgh needs to worry about this week
It is finally time for the Pittsburgh Steelers to get back to the business of football after its bye week. At this point, every game is a must-win game for the Steelers and it all starts with a road test against the Cleveland Browns. Cleveland is currently 4-3 and holding onto the last AFC playoff spot and the Steelers at just being at 3-3. Here are the five guys on the Browns Pittsburgh has to worry about most.
1-EDGE Myles Garrett
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Just like the Browns need to focus on Steelers edge rusher T.J. Watt, Pittsburgh is going to have to dedicate significant time and energy to stopping Myles Garrett. Garrett is a force off the edge on either side and will tax these young tackles.
2-RB D'Ernest Johnson
[Phil Masturzo/ Beacon Journal]
Having a third-string running back in the starting lineup should be something a team can relax about but the combination of the Steelers questionable run defense and last week’s performance by D’Ernest Johnson gives us cause to worry.
3-TE David Njoku
(AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
The Steelers have historically struggled to defend tight ends and this season is no different. Pittsburgh has turned to reserve Robert Spillane as the dime linebacker and this is a matchup the Browns could easily exploit.
Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
While everyone is looking at Garrett, rookie linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah could quietly have himself a big game. He is currently second on the team in total tackles and has been very active on the defensive side of the football.
5-QB Case Keenum
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
It really feels like Baker Mayfield is going to have to miss another game. If this is the case, the Steelers would square off against backup Case Keenum. You might be excited to see a backup in there but the Steelers defense isn’t shy about making backups look like starters and with all those weapons, he cannot be taken for granted.
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