4 players who will make or break the Steelers 2021 season

Steelers WR Chase Claypool

Staying on offense, Chase Claypool’s sophomore season will determine how explosive the Steelers passing offense is capable of being. Too often last season we saw the passing game be predictable and too reliant on the quick passing game. Claypool himself wasn’t as effective late in the year compared to the first half of the season, although the play-calling didn’t do him any favors.

If he can become a true #1 receiver for Pittsburgh in 2021, it will help make the rest of the receiving group play their preferred roles. Juju Smith-Schuster is clearly better as a 2nd option, Diontae Johnson should not be top 10 in targets and James Washington could get the playing time he deserves if the offense is less reliant on the short passing game. He has all the physical tools to be a top receiver, now it’s on the coaching staff and Chase himself to develop as a route runner and improve his ability to make touch catches expected of elite receivers.

It is entirely possible that Claypool’s raw production may not increase that much even if he does take several steps forward. I expect Canada to want Ben to spread the ball around and keep everyone involved. Even if that is the case, the attention he will command if he proves to opposing coaches that not focusing on him is a mistake is most important.