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Pittsburgh Steelers: 3 players that stood out in heartbreaking loss to Saints

By Chris Halicke

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - DECEMBER 23: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers throws the ball during the first half against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 23, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - DECEMBER 23: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers throws the ball during the first half against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 23, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /
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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DECEMBER 23: JuJu Smith-Schuster #19 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts during the first half against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 23, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DECEMBER 23: JuJu Smith-Schuster #19 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts during the first half against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 23, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /

JuJu Smith-Schuster

The Steelers’ double-headed monster at receiver was on full display in New Orleans. Antonio Brown went off and JuJu was just a solid.

After injuring his groin during the week at practice, JuJu went into the game less than 100%. It showed. After just about every play, JuJu was pretty slow to get up. Despite not being 100%, JuJu was still a dangerous weapon for Big Ben to throw to.

JuJu finished with 11 catches for 115 yards. His ability to go downfield was taken away, but he was still more than reliable in the short passing game.

The worst possible thing that could happen to JuJu happened. He was very much a part of the drive that could have tied or won the game for the Steelers, but JuJu was unable to secure the football going to the ground while be tackled by two defenders. It was obviously the most costly fumble because it ended the Steelers’ chance to do anything.

Next. James Conner did everything Bell would have. dark

Despite the fumble, the Steelers wouldn’t have been able to do what they did offensively without JuJu. James Washington nor Ryan Switzer would have been able to do what JuJu did throughout the game. JuJu, along with Antonio Brown, torched the Saints’ defense. And JuJu has been the Steelers’ most consistent receiver this season. I don’t think anyone expected him to fumble there.

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