Pittsburgh Steelers: 3 Players that must shine vs. Bengals in Week 4
By Samuel Teets
2. James Washington, WR
All Steelers fans love JuJu Smith-Schuster, but it’s clear he needs some help in the receiving corps. Last season, the unite was nearly unstoppable with Antonio Brown drawing double or triple coverages and Smith-Schuster terrorizing the remaining defensive backs. This year, Smith-Schuster has looked initially overwhelmed by his new role. He needs a running mate, and Washington is the player best fit to fill that role.
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Smith-Schuster is currently averaging 81 yards and 4.7 receptions per game. Last season, he averaged 89.1 yards on 6.9 receptions per game. His numbers haven’t been that bad, but the Steelers need more from him this season now that there isn’t a clear number two wide receiver. That’s where Washington could step in.
As a rookie last year, Washington has minimal impact on the team. However, he was extremely active during the preseason and looked like he could step into a larger role. With Donte Moncrief playing terribly and potentially being benched, Washington is the next man up in the lineup.
Washington already has a connection with Mason Rudolph as well. Both attended Oklahoma State from 2014-17, and they both hold the school record for yards at their given position. In 2018, Washington was Pittsburgh’s second-round pick. The team went on to take Rudolph in the third. Hopefully, the two college teammates will establish a connection in the NFL.