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Seattle Seahawks: Shaquill Griffin’s 5 toughest matchups in 2019

By Samuel Teets

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 04: Shaquill Griffin #26 of the Seattle Seahawks reacts in the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at CenturyLink Field on November 04, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 04: Shaquill Griffin #26 of the Seattle Seahawks reacts in the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at CenturyLink Field on November 04, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 30: JuJu Smith-Schuster #19 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs upfield past KeiVarae Russell #20 of the Cincinnati Bengals towards the end zone for an 11 yard touchdown reception in the third quarter during the game at Heinz Field on December 30, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 30: JuJu Smith-Schuster #19 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs upfield past KeiVarae Russell #20 of the Cincinnati Bengals towards the end zone for an 11 yard touchdown reception in the third quarter during the game at Heinz Field on December 30, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

5. JuJu Smith-Schuster, Pittsburgh Steelers – Week 2

This is probably the most controversial selection on the list. I’m willing to hear arguments for A.J. Green or Adam Thielen replacing JuJu Smith-Schuster in this spot, but I do believe he’s the more lethal threat at this point.

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The USC product rose to prominence in just his second season. Based on what he did as a rookie and as a sophomore in the NFL, Smith-Schuster will continue to trend upward and round out his game this coming season.

In 2018, Smith-Schuster finished fifth in the league in receiving yards with 1,426. He also finished with the sixth most receptions (111) and seven touchdowns. People who want to dismiss Smith-Schuster’s success will claim it’s a byproduct of playing alongside Antonio Brown. Now, we’ll really get to see this season since Brown has moved to Oakland and left Smith-Schuster without a costar.

The Seahawks defense will have their hands full overall when they face the Steelers offense. Quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger led the league in passing yards last season with 5,129. Running back, James Conner made the Pro Bowl and finished ninth in yards per game among running backs with at least 100 attempts. Pittsburgh also boasts three Pro Bowl offensive linemen.

So, even if Smith-Schuster initially struggles without Brown, he’ll still have a great supporting cast in 2019.

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