JuJu Smith-Schuster says he’ll be outside more often in Steelers offense this season

On Wednesday, we talked about how JuJu Smith-Schuster voiced his displeasure with a 17-game season throughout a current Adam Schefter ESPN podcast.

Right here’s one other nugget from that dialog. Smith-Schuster mentioned he’s going to play exterior extra typically in 2021.

Schefter requested Smith-Schuster what NFL observers can count on out of him whereas he’s engaged on his new one-year contract with the Steelers.

“You will get the entire package deal,” Smith-Schuster mentioned. “I believe the largest factor that lots of people are speaking about is me taking part in exterior. You’ll positively see me taking part in exterior extra.”

I don’t know who Smith-Schuster meant by “lots of people.” Does that imply his followers on Twitch, Twitter and Instagram? Or does that imply offensive coordinator Matt Canada, head coach Mike Tomlin, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and normal supervisor Kevin Colbert?

As a result of that first group doesn’t matter. The second group does.

In keeping with PlayerProfiler.com, a stats-based web site typically used as a fantasy-league tool, Smith-Schuster’s 711 slot snaps and 629 routes run have been essentially the most within the NFL final season. Nevertheless, his common goal distance was a meager 5.8 yards (106th), and he acquired solely six deep targets all yr (94th).

So, sure, bumping him exterior will surely assist Smith-Schuster individually. And maybe if working again Najee Harris and tight finish Pat Freiermuth can keep wholesome and be efficient as rookies, they can be utilized as examine down choices or quick targets. That’d give Canada the choice to slip Smith-Schuster to the skin extra typically.

If that occurs, search for James Washington, Diontae Johnson or Chase Claypool to doubtlessly lose some snaps alongside the way in which.

I’ll additionally have an interest to see what the acquisitions of Harris and Freiermuth do by way of impacting play calling within the crimson zone. Pro Football Reference logged 17 red-zone receiving targets for Smith-Schuster, tied for eleventh within the NFL. His 14 catches have been fourth.

Freiermuth might show to be an excellent choice out of two-tight finish units with Eric Ebron down near the tip zone. And the Steelers could attempt to run extra typically as they method the purpose line with Harris.

General, Smith-Schuster mentioned Harris’ presence might be an excellent factor.

“It’s going to be superior,” Smith-Schuster mentioned. “We’re going to be a balanced offense now.”

Nicely, let’s not get loopy. The Steelers have been first within the NFL in passing makes an attempt (659). They have been twenty eighth in dashing makes an attempt (373).

So, “balanced”? Hmm. I’ll accept barely much less skewed and work from there.

Child steps, JuJu. Child steps.