How the Steelers proceeded in 2021 without JuJu?

Tight ends

While the Steelers are tweaking the slot position, trying to find who steps up and takes up the slack, there are other options that they will employ, or at least should employ, especially if the replacement receivers do not pull up the extra slack.

With JuJu gone, it makes sense to modify your plays or incorporate new plays that make use of or incorporate the tight ends into the passing game.  That’s exactly what Matt Canada should at least think of doing at any rate. The Steelers have a luxury most teams do not, and they have both Eric Ebron and Pat Freiermuth.  Both are capable of breaking big plays; it makes sense to use them.

With the emergence of Freiermuth, Ebron’s productivity has dropped off from 2020. It wouldn’t take much to start working them into the game plan. Frankly, both can at times be as productive as JuJu was; Freiermuth can also be a touchdown maker if Ben throws to him in the RedZone.

Besides, we all know Big Ben likes to throw to the tight end; look at all his success with Heath Miller. It could be a strategy that pays dividends over the coming weeks.