Pittsburgh Steelers: 5 Bold predictions vs. Seahawks in Week 2
By Samuel Teets
2. JuJu Smith-Schuster goes off for 130 yards
In his first game without Antonio Brown not on the roster, JuJu Smith-Schuster spent most of the night getting shut down by All-Pro cornerback, Stephon Gilmore. He did finish the game with six receptions on eight targets for 78 yards, but those numbers are more impressive than Smith-Schuster’s actual performance.
While Smith-Schuster heavily benefitted from Brown drawing double and even triple teams over the past two seasons, it’s time for the USC product to prove he can be elite without his former running mate. Smith-Schuster averaged 6.9 receptions and 89.1 receiving yards per game last season. He needs to show more of that production moving forward.
Seattle’s best coverage defensive back is cornerback Shaquill Griffin, and even he hasn’t fully proven himself yet. Griffin has often looked outmatched and has failed to live up to his full potential. The other cornerback, Tre Flowers, is vulnerable to being beaten deep and has trouble sticking with elite wide receivers. No matter which cornerback Smith-Schuster draws throughout the game, he’s in for a big performance.
1. Steelers drop 40 on the Seahawks
That’s right, Pittsburgh is going to out-gun Seattle in Week 2. I don’t think Pittsburgh’s defense is capable of controlling Seattle’s offense, but the Steelers have gotten into a couple of shootouts in the past several seasons. This time, they will come out on top and advance to 1-1.
I believe the Steelers will take out their Week 1 frustrations on the Seahawks in a big way. Hopefully, Mike Tomlin and the team’s captains will work to determine the team’s identity before Week 2. While I don’t think we can read too much into the loss to New England, it shouldn’t be taken lightly either.
Next. NFL Week 2, 2019: 20 Bold predictions to consider. dark
The Steelers don’t have a difficult schedule this year. The team’s strength of schedule is tied for 19th in the NFL with the Detroit Lions and division rival Baltimore Ravens. However, losing two games to start the season could damage the team’s morale before the grueling part of the season has even begun. Sunday’s game against the Seahawks should be treated as a must-win scenario.