Ryan Shazier gives thoughts on Devin Bush and predicts Steelers future

Former Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier recently shared his thoughts on what happened to Devin Bush in 2021 and then made a surprising prediction.

In a recent interview with the local Pittsburgh radio station 93.7 The Fan, Ryan Shazier addressed the poor play of Devin Bush in the 2021 season and what he could do to improve. He then gave a surprising prediction of whom he would like to take over as Steelers quarterback. Shazier has a shocking and unexpected choice, to say the least.

Devin Bush

It’s no question Devin Bush for all of 2019 and his first five games of 2020 was a rising defensive star in the NFL. His intense style of play and the ability to make big plays seemed to justify Mike Tomlin’s decision to draft up so they could land him.

Then five games into 2020, he tore his ACL and missed the remainder of the season. Devin returned in 2021; however, as most noticed, he seemed to be a shell of his former self. He only had 41 solo tackles, down from 72 in 2019. In 2019 he had 109 combined tackles. That dropped to 70. Despite having more sacks in 2021, he had no interceptions, whereas he had two in 2019.

So what does Shazier feel may have been Bush’s problem in 2021? First, he suspects Bush still may not have been 100% healthy.   Shazier said, “I Know that Devin doesn’t look 100% healthy…obviously when you have knee problems, you don’t feel as confident.” In conjunction, he thinks there might have been a lot of second-guessing in Devin’s mind, thus causing him to miss big plays.

Shazier does think Devin still has time to rebound, but he needs to do it sooner than later; however,  what did Shazier suggest? His thoughts are that Bush should give some extra dedication and spend more time analyzing game films. Shazier feels if he does that, Bush might realize he does not need to rely solely on his athletic ability and can allow plays to come to him. Thus 2021 will be a make-or-break year for Devin Bush, especially if he has any thoughts of continuing his career in Pittsburgh.

Steelers Quarterback Situation

Shazier also weighed in on whom he would like to replace Ben Roethlisberger. Admittedly his choice seemed a little surprising and is a complete 180 from Charlie Batch’s prediction of Mason Rudolph. So who does he want or think will land in Pittsburgh?

“I wouldn’t be surprised or upset if we get Jimmy [Garoppolo]” Shazier said. “Jimmy’s been to multiple Superbowls, he’s won Superbowls…and has experience of winning consistently in the playoffs”

Shazier also then said the Steelers should not utilize a draft pick for a quarterback in the 2022 draft. While he thinks the quarterbacks in the 2022 draft may be good, they do not justify making the pick.

Will Devin Bush improve in 2022? We will have to wait. We already know the Steelers have decided not to exercise the 5th year option with Bush, so they could be making plans to move on. If he improves, though, would the Steelers consider resigning him? We will have to see how 2022 playout for Bush.

As far as the Steelers’ quarterback situation? His guess is as good as anyone else’s, as predictions seem to be all over the map as to what the Steelers may do to replace Big Ben. However, we may know more in a month.