Pittsburgh Steelers: JuJu Smith-Schuster continues to impress

Initially drafted into a crowded Pittsburgh Steelers receiving corps, rookie wideout JuJu Smith-Schuster has worked his way to becoming a staple on offense.

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster has grabbed the hearts and admiration of Steelers fans from all over. The outgoing, fun-loving rookie product from USC was initially drafted to bolster the depth of a deeply talented receiving corps. However, the growing legend of JuJu has out-played expectations in Pittsburgh thus far.

Smith-Schuster, who holds the title of “youngest player in the NFL” after turning 21 a few weeks ago, has become a fan favorite with his celebrations after scoring and a strong social media presence, attracting thousands to his Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat accounts.

Here’s a sample from this past week:

Smith-Schuster has undoubtedly injected the word “fun” into football, even swaying those critical of Antonio Brown’s antics to come to enjoy the way he plays the game. However the celebrations are merely a product of what he’s able to do on the field: Produce.

Pittsburgh’s passing attack runs through the discretion of Brown and half back Le’Veon Bell, who have amounted a total of 202 combined targets, good for 51 percent of the overall looks. Yet Smith-Schuster, after Bell and Brown, ranks third in targets with 52. JuJu also claims 568 yards receiving with 5 touchdowns on the year, both good for second-best only behind Brown.

Coming into the NFL Draft, Smith-Schuster drew many comparisons to the likes of Anquan Boldin. However, Pittsburgh has circled the wagons for him to be the second-coming of one of the most beloved players to don the black and gold, and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger agreed during an interview with 93.7 The Fan:

"“He’s taking pride in blocking. He’s Hines Warding it, if you will. When you show the desire and the want to be selfless in that instant, it makes me wanna give you the ball.”"

To be compared to all-time Steelers great Hines Ward is one of the highest honors a young receiver could garner, yet the characteristics are all there. JuJu is a physical receiver both in receiving and blocking, while also making the necessary tough catches to move the chains. It’s difficult for young players to have impacts in the game, and this was more evident on Monday night in Cincinnati. Only catching four passes for 17 yards, Smith-Schuster had to find a different way to make an impact, and boy did he.

On the Steelers game-tying drive with under seven minutes to play, Roethlisberger checked down to a wide-open Bell, with Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict in front of him. Burfict, attempting to mirror Bell and solely focused on the ball-carrier, had no idea what was coming next. Smith-Schuster, still out of Burfict’s attention, launched himself into Burfict and the rest is history.

The jury is still out on the block, and depending on who you talk to (or what colors you wear) opinions are subject to change. However, he was penalized for both the hit and taunt, and suspended one game for the play on Tuesday.

One thing is for certain, though, JuJu brings a physical brand of football to Pittsburgh, a style of play Ward himself would applaud. Smith-Schuster also provided a block later in the game that set up a big play to position Pittsburgh for a game winning field goal.

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Although not a pretty game on the stat sheet, Smith-Schuster was able to find another way to make an impact and help his team get a win. In an era where receivers aren’t necessarily the first to volunteer to block, it’s refreshing to see a receiver who not only thrives in blocking and catching, but possesses a love for both as well.

Smith-Schuster has a long way to go before he can be considered among the greats, but if keeps the attitude and desire to consistently be better, he’ll find himself dominating competition sooner rather than later.