Can JuJu Smith-Schuster be a primary target for Steelers offense?
Will JuJu Smith-Schuster be able to act as the primary receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2021?
In 2017 the Steelers held the sixty-second pick in the second round. When their pick was announced, the Steelers fan base was ecstatic. The Pittsburgh Steelers had decided to draft one of the University of Southern California’s most talented wide receivers. It was not long before Juju Smith Schuster made his NFL debut.
Juju Smith- Schuster had a standout rookie season. He was able to record 917 yards receiving on 58 receptions in addition to his seven touchdowns. During the following season, Juju was able to shine even brighter. Smith Schuster was able to end the season with 1,426 yards receiving as he matched his touchdown total. After seeing two years of improvement many believed the young Pittsburgh had found his stride.
The 2019 NFL season was not as productive as the years prior for Smith-Schuster. With the absence of Antonio Brown, it would be now up to Juju to be the primary receiver. Juju was only able 5o play 12 games due to a left knee injury. He finished the season with 42 receptions and 552 yards receiving. Disappointed and unsatisfied, the Steelers finished the regular season with an 8-8 record. It was clear that some things needed to be changed.
New Faces, New Places
After coming off a season-ending injury, Juju Smith-Schuster was ready to return to the field. The Pittsburgh Steelers began the 2020-2021 season off with an 11-0 record. Pittsburgh could only attribute their winning surge to their passing game and defense. Chase Claypool and Diontae Johnson were able to take the defensive pressure off Smith-Schuster. As the attention of the defenses across the league shifted, Juju was able to make plays more often. Diante Johnson led the team in receptions and yards. At the end of the season, Juju Smith Schuster finished with 831 yards receiving and 9 touchdowns. Although it did not top his 2017 performance, it was a sign to the league that Juju was still present.
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The Pittsburgh Steelers are planning to have a more balanced offense this year. After years of trying to establish a running game, the Steelers will finally have all the right pieces in the right places. When all of the attention is focused on Juju Smith-Schuster, he has not been able to meet expectations in this stage of his career. Last season Juju finished third in receiving on his team. Diontae Johnson and Chase Claypool have both shown that they are also in Pittsburgh to work hard to win. This upcoming season many Steelers fans will find out if Juju will ever be a number one receiver.