The Pittsburgh Steelers have a turbulent history with wide receivers. Although current and former general managers have a rich drafting history, receivers are rarely retained past their rookie contract in the 412. If you would have told Steeler Nation during the 11-0 run in 2020 that we’d have parted ways with receivers JuJu Smith-Schuster and Chase Claypool by the end of the 2022 season, it’s safe to assume that Yinzers would want to have a word with the front office.
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Smith-Schuster was drafted by the Steelers as the 62nd overall pick in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Between his stolen bike chronicles, production on the field, unwavering display of loyalty as he took down Vontaze Burfict, and love for the Pittsburgh community, Smith-Schuster quickly became a fan favorite. The receiver had a productive rookie year for the black and gold, gaining 917 yards and 7 touchdowns on 57 receptions.
As Antonio Brown was often in double coverage, Smith-Schuster stepped up in a big way as the #2 receiver during his sophomore campaign. With 1,426 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 111 receptions, Smith-Schuster rightfully earned Pro Bowl honors and team MVP. Following the 2020 season, Smith-Schuster rejected interest from the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens and signed a one-year contract to stay in Pittsburgh. Unfortunately, he was sidelined with a shoulder injury for the majority of the season, only returning against the Chiefs in the Wild Card round of the playoffs.
With Claypool and Diontae Johnson gaining more targets and bad luck with injuries, it made sense for the Steelers to part ways with Smith-Schuster. The receiver out of USC went on to sign a one-year deal with the Chiefs worth $3.25 million plus up to $7.5 million in incentives. With star receiver Tyreek Hill traded to the Miami Dolphins, it was a prime opportunity for Smith-Schuster to play a large role in one of the NFL's most impressive offenses.
The former Steeler quickly found a role in Andy Reid's offense. During his first year with the team, he was able to put up numbers similar to his glory days in Pittsburgh with 933 yards and 3 touchdowns. Flash forward to Super Bowl Sunday, the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles, 38-35 and Smith-Schuster is now a Super Bowl Champion.
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It was a nail-biter on Sunday night. Philadelphia gained an early lead and was feeling confident heading into the half with a 24-14 lead and an injured Patrick Mahomes. Despite an MVP-caliber performance from Jalen Hurts, the Chiefs were able to answer back and put up 24 points in the second half. After a quiet first half, former Steeler Smith-Schuster was a consistent force on the offense with 7 catches for 53 yards. On the final drive, the Eagles worst fear came true. AP Most Valuable Player of the Year, Patrick Mahomes, was charging down the field with complete control in the final minutes of the game.
The best bet for the Eagles would be for the Chiefs to score a field goal with enough time on the clock to answer back. It looked possible, until a penalty call that broke hearts all around Philadelphia. Eagles' cornerback James Bradberry was called for holding on Smith-Schuster on an incomplete pass late in the game. This call immediately drew criticism from announcer Greg Olsen as it completely changed the trajectory of the game.
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Due to the penalty, the Chiefs were able to kick a field goal and leave Philadelphia with only six seconds on the clock for a Hail Mary attempt. Six seconds later, red and yellow confetti filled the stadium and the Kansas City Chiefs were named the Super Bowl Champions. Following the game, Smith-Schuster defended the call.
What are your thoughts, Steeler Nation? Did the refs blow the game for the Eagles, or was the former Steeler in the right?
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