Why JuJu Smith-Schuster is the Steelers’ Key Player

Brook Ward via Flickr

NFL

Why JuJu Smith-Schuster is the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Key Player

This upcoming season, Steelers’ receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster will have Big Ben Roethlisberger all to himself. JuJu will be without two former franchise players, Le’Veon Bell and Antonio Bown. Brown and Bell gained accolades and fan bases while in Pittsburgh, and JuJu has been doing just that. With early success and a following to his name, Smith-Schuster is on pace for more. This season, he’ll get the chance to further establish himself as a household name. Here’s why JuJu Smith-Schuster is the key player for the Steelers this season.

A Star Is Born

JuJu Smith-Schuster had a year to remember in 2018. He earned a Pro Bowl selection, set a franchise record, and finished with 1,426 receiving yards and 7 touchdown receptions. Steeler Nation can expect higher numbers from JuJu, with Brown deciding to take his antics to Oakland. Without him, Big Ben needs Smith-Schuster to make crucial catches down the field. Luckily for him, JuJu can do it all.

Last season, the Steelers dealt with Le’Veon Bell protesting his contract situation and role in the organization. Without their star running back, Pittsburgh’s receiving core had to rise to the occasion. As a USC Trojan, Smith-Schuster showed incredible speed and outstanding catching ability. Through his first two NFL seasons, he’s taken it to another level.

JuJu’s career has a lot of highlights so far, but two stand out from the rest. In 2017, the Steelers were in a compromising position against the Detroit Lions. Big Ben’s back was against the wall in the Motor City. He completed a pass from the three-yard line to none other than Smith-Schuster. JuJu burned three defenders and ran out of his shoes for a 97-yard touchdown.

Last season, when the Steelers faced the Carolina Panthers, everybody caught wind of JuJu Smith-Schuster’s performance. In the blowout win at Heinz Field, Roethlisberger connected with JuJu for a 75-yard TD reception for the books. After the catch, he went into the end zone with ease. Once JuJu got his legs going, the Panthers defenders didn’t stand a chance.

The fact that JuJu can make big plays like this should give his quarterback confidence and put the fans at ease. A receiver like Smith-Schuster, who knows how to catch the deep ball and avoid defenders on slant routes, is an essential piece in getting the Steelers back to the Super Bowl.

The Pressure of Being Number One

This upcoming season, all eyes will be on JuJu. As the new number one receiving option, he is on track to have a huge season, but it won’t be an easy ride. With any transition, there’s pressure to adjust and succeed. A peer of Smith-Schuster’s gave some insight on what he’s facing.

Tuesday morning, Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen told Skip Bayless and Shannon Sharpe this season will be “life-changing” for JuJu, and he will stay up nights trying to navigate on the field. On Fox Sports’ Undisputed, Allen commented:

It’s gonna be hard to sleep at night trying to find ways to get open. Different routes, different coverages you’ve got to look at.

JuJu has supported his quarterback through recent criticisms, and now Ben’s returning the favor. Roethlisberger has been publicly supporting JuJu and telling the media he believes he’ll rise to the occasion. On the first day of OTAs, Ben said: “He’s going to have an awesome challenge ahead of him for this year. I think he’s ready for it.”

JuJu’s Present and Future

Smith-Schuster is currently under his rookie contract. His contract is for four years and worth $4,195,779. JuJu will become a free agent in 2021 at the end of his final contract year. With that being said, Pittsburgh’s front office will likely offer him a big payday to stay, especially if his good form continues. Letting JuJu go, now or later, would not be in their best interests. He’s a young, Pro Bowl-caliber receiver that’s still getting better and better.

Speaking of getting better, JuJu put on quite a show during OTAs. On the very first day, he caught made this one-hand catch:

Smith-Schuster has been big on attending practices in the offseason. He told Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that “it’s very important” to come to camp and build chemistry with his teammates:

There are some new guys on the team, and building that chemistry and that connection means a lot.

By the sound of it, JuJu is doing his part in bringing the Steelers together. The mindset that they get better together and lose together is exactly the leadership Pittsburgh needs — especially after the drama surrounding their former stars.

Putting Good JuJu on the Steelers Season

JuJu Smith-Schuster quickly emerged as an up-and-coming star with the Steelers from the start of his rookie year. In 2018, he became the youngest player in NFL history to record 150 single-game receiving yards. JuJu is not just a player with potential — he’s bound to become a franchise player. All of his talents and leadership abilities make JuJu Smith-Schuster a key player for the Steelers this season.

Written by Samiya Green

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