4 biggest causes of concern Steelers vs. Browns in Week 18

Villanueva vs. Garrett

One of the worst results of the Steelers’ previous game against the Browns was the startling bad play of left tackle Alejandro Villanueva. He had easily his worst game of the season last week, as Myles Garrett found ways to beat him off the edge regularly. Worse yet, Villanueva seems to be fading down the stretch. He started the season playing at an elite level, but December hasn’t been kind to him.

He is facing the exact same matchup this week as last week, and while the Browns will be without Olivier Vernon due to injury, it doesn’t mean much when Garrett is the talent he is. Even if the Steelers plan to try and chip him, it will still be a tall task for Villanueva. If he puts up a performance as bad as he did last week, the Steelers’ offense could be in trouble.

What the team really needs this week is a solid rebound from Villanueva. While his play doesn’t have to be at the elite level it was earlier in the year, he needs to at least rebound from the miserable tape he put up last week. The Steelers’ offense will likely continue to rely on the passing game, but if Villanueva is allowing pressures at the rate he was last week, it could spell trouble for the Steelers.