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Getting assist from the vets: The Steelers go into the playoffs with 26 gamers who’ve postseason expertise.
On the flip aspect, although, they’ve 27 gamers who the postseason is model new to them, together with the vast majority of their broad receivers.
Solely JuJu Smith-Schuster has performed in a postseason sport, only one in 2017. Past that, although, it is a utterly inexperienced group. That’s precisely why they’re counting on the veterans within the locker room for recommendation as they put together for the AFC Wild Card Spherical towards the Browns on Sunday at Heinz Subject.
“We simply have a look at the vets round us within the locker room who’ve been there earlier than,” mentioned rookie Chase Claypool. “If we’ve got any questions, we simply go to them. They normally simply provide steering and recommendation with out us asking.
“(Ben Roethlisberger) emphasised taking good care of our physique all through this week and prior weeks main as much as this. As we clinched the division and the playoffs, he needed to ensure we took care of ourselves to be prepared for apply and finally be prepared for the sport. It is good listening to that from somebody who can let you know weeks prematurely what to organize for to be sure to have the very best efficiency within the playoffs.”
Diontae Johnson is simply in his second season, and he is aware of phrases of recommendation from the veterans, like Roethlisberger and Maurkice Pouncey, go a great distance proper now as a result of expertise could be the very best trainer.
“It’ll influence us rather a lot,” mentioned Johnson. “I’ve by no means performed within the playoffs earlier than. These guys have been within the league for a very long time. They’ve the expertise. I’m making an attempt to see how they go about this week and put together this week for the playoffs and try to put that in my sport so I could be prepared similar to them.”
One factor they need to ensure that of although, is that they do not put an excessive amount of stress on themselves as they do put together. Sure, they know that is the largest sport they’ll play in thus far of their profession, however they should deal with it with a fragile steadiness to not change into overwhelmed.
“I do not need to say it is simply one other soccer sport as a result of clearly there are rather a lot larger issues on the road,” mentioned Claypool. “You do not need to let the sport get to your head, to your preparation. Simply hold doing what you’ve gotten been doing each week.”
Johnson just about echoed his phrases.
“On the finish of the day it is simply soccer,” mentioned Johnson. “Sure, it is a playoff sport, the place you’re single elimination. You need to go in there like another sport, play your task, do your job always. Sure, it is a huge sport, you need to win. You need to be sure to aren’t overthinking as a result of that’s going to take you out of your sport as a result of you will have a lot stuff going by means of your head and you aren’t going to be your self on the market.
“I’m simply attacking it like a standard week. Just a bit extra detailed on my expertise relating to watching movie, taking notes relating to apply, route operating, catching the ball. These kinds of issues, ensuring I’m dialed in a little bit additional this week.”
Tyson Alualu is in his eleventh season within the NFL, however he’s nearly in the identical boat as Claypool and Johnson. He has solely performed in a single postseason sport in his profession, however his expertise within the league brings a little bit extra to it.
“It is nonetheless simply soccer,” mentioned Alualu. “There’s a lot at stake. Win the sport or go dwelling. There may be going to be all of that emotion tied right into a playoff sport. You simply have to return out prepared and ready.
“I’m positively excited to get again within the postseason. That complete mentality is felt all through the locker room. Simply to have this chance. It is a blessed feeling and one we’re working and doing every thing we will to get the job finished so we will hold climbing to the following stage and get to the Tremendous Bowl.”
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