Pittsburgh Steelers: 3 Standouts from Week 1 vs. Browns
By Broc Flücker
Juju Smith-Schuster
The passing offense for the Steelers, while it worked to move the ball downfield, was hampered by several turnovers. Juju Smith-Schuster was able to help move the ball, to the tune of five catches for 119 yards, including a huge 67-yard catch and run.
Smith-Schuster showed as a rookie last year that he has great big-play ability and can be very explosive when given the chance. It’s a very good role for him, as when defenses are game planning against Antonio Brown, the second-year wideout is usually able to fly underneath the radar and break off a few big plays. He certainly did in this game.
Antonio Brown on the day accounted for nine catches, 93 yards and a touchdown, while Ben Roethlisberger threw for 335 yards and a touchdown. As it tells from the stat line, the offense was able to move the ball very effectively through the air.
Unfortunately it was overshadowed by a few bad mistakes by Roethlisberger that led to two of his three interceptions on the day, the other being one that slipped through tight end Jesse James’ hands. Tack on three fumbles, two of which being out of the hands of Roethlisberger, and you have a recipe for disaster.