Ju Ju

I have seen Ju Ju a couple times in the last two games where is demeanor looks like he is unhappy that Claypool is overshadowing him.

I hope it was just gas.

 

JuJu is an afterthought to even James Washington. Guy has fallen off a clif.

 

I've played team sports all my life. I'm a team first guy through and through. With that said, if I was the rising star one year, only to be an after thought the next 2 years, I would be unhappy too. That's just human nature. I feel for the guy, assuming he's not doing anything wrong we don't know about. Unfortunately for him, I think his skill set was overblown and his stats were inflated by AB and our high powered offence. Too much was expected of him and he can't live up to it. Claypool on the other hand might actually be a true star. Anyone in Juju's shoes would be upset.

With that said, the tale hasn't been told yet. Juju can rise to the occasion or continue to be upset. While I don't think he's an elite player, he's better than he's been showing.

 

I’m not a coaches tape type of guy, prefer hyperbole and suspicion myself. But maybe opposing defenses focus on JuJu to take him out of the play? He had 2 TDs first game, and seems every game we have a different lead contributor. Can’t prioritize coverage on all. Ben only had 22 passes, which is a good thing, but limiting when it comes to spreading the ball around.

 

Hey Stone.

I just talked about this in another thread. Yes, I had to ask myself if he was playing last week because he made only a few catches I believe. I think Ben and Fichtner know exactly what they are doing. As I have been stating for many months now, we have many tools in the chest to work with on Offense. Yes, at times there are not going to be enough balls to go around. Now, I could be wrong but I think Ben is completely aware of JuJu's small production role the past two games and I think it will be made up for relatively soon.

Ben and Claypool are developing a chemistry and reputation. Great. Let teams drop their guards in regards to JuJu, Washington, DJ and others and then when they least expect it....KAPOW! Hit them with the guys who have been "laying low" per se. Let JuJu have a ten-catches, three-touchdowns and one-hundred yards type performance. I could see this unfolding this way.

JuJu is the "Elder Statesman" of the WR crew and needs to lead by example. No room for another AB mentally wise on this team. Hopefully, JuJu has learned something from how greatness and selfishness do not mix. Together, they are not part of a team concept and a winning atmosphere that this team is continuing to build. I would like to think that JuJu is smart enough to see all of this. IMO, for the team to be successful, it has to be team first and individual accomplishments second. The two go hand in hand but have to go in that order if we are to win it all IMO.


STEELWINDS The East Side Kid

 

I wouldn't say a clif , but lots of DFS pundits are starting to say the same thing I been saying .. He is either playing hurt or some injury has not healed right .. He still has strong hands , but his route running is not as sharp and he doesn't seperate out of breaks the way he used to..https://sportsinjurypredictor.com/player/juju-smith-schuster/7762

that chart shows the toe and the knee both on his push off side I speculate 1 if not both of those are effecting his play ..

 

Has Ju Ju fallen off of a cliff?! Stat wise a bit but I am not hitting the panic button just yet. Too much Football left to be played. Ju Ju is still the most technically gifted route runner the team has currently. For that matter, he is the teams best Possession Receiver; stats or otherwise.



What is really at play here is, yet again, the rise of Chase Claypool. His mere prescene now allows Big Ben to spread the ball around to whomever he pleases. In addition, Pittsburgh has so many Offensive Weapons to deal with as it stands. By that account, some receivers are sadly going to be left out as there is not enough passes to go around despite Big Ben's efficiency.



Long story short?! Ju Ju is fine. Nothing wrong with him for me. Should this trend continue shortly after the Tennessee game, then I will have some concern. Until then, ride the hot hand of simply taking what the Defense gives you.

 

Super Genius Mark Madden throwing out there using JuJu as trade bait to acquire a linebacker if Bush is out for the year. I don't see it happening but it's an idea.

 

omg. 1 - his demeanor has been good and multiple teammates have spoken about it, including Ben Roethlisberger in the post-game. 2 - JuJu is "taking one for the team," taking double teams, running short routes to off-set traffic and blocking. The dude has been incredible.

Claypool is supremely talented but he doesn't sniff the rise he's having without Juju's intangibles.

 

Juju will have few big games before the season is out. Week end and week out you can have a different leading WR on this team, and that is good problem.
Once Claypool starts drawing more coverage, it will open up Juju and the others even more.

But this offense is really balanced. Ben only threw for 169 yesterday. Your not going to see a lot of 300-400 games out of Ben.

 

I wasn't concerned about Ju Ju's ability or credentials, I was just concerned that he looked like heart may not be in it if he isn't the star?

Time will tell.

 

You only accept being the fat girl at the dances for so long before it starts weighing on you (weighing...see what I did there?) Especially when you gained all the weight during the summer.

I think his drop in production is simply due to Ben taking what the defenses are giving. If he accepts that, then his pride won't get in the way of his present and future here. If he feels overshadowed by his peers and overlooked by coaches and qb, then it will be a bumpy ride at best.

 

I like how you tied the fat girl and weighing together!

I just have an uncomfortable feeling about how Ju Ju will handle not being the darling.

 

I know. I posted a couple years ago about my concern with his over abundance of social media. People who rely heavily on social media walk a fine line. Your fans can turn on you in a heartbeat and wreck your brand and your psyche. JuJu seems like a someone who might take negative social backlash personally. That worries me.

 

JuJu has missed most Wednesday practices and some Thursday practices because of his knee. He is not 100% which explains a lot of his production issues. Ben needs to look to Claypool more. After Claypool's long reception, the next series, a 3rd down, Claypool was wide open at the sticks, because the cornerback was giving Claypool space.

 

Ju Ju will be just fine, #7 will always look for #19 when a play is needed.
Hell we had AB and Ben says I shoulda of looked to JuJu.

 

Now there is an interesting thought.

 

That stat reminded so much of the 70's teams. Bradshaw would have low passing yards and we would pound the ball while the D held them at bay. Better watch out, the NFL with all their rule changes want 800 passing yards in a game with the score 48-42. I would LOVE for the Steelers to buck that trend.

 

He was lobbying the ref to signal TD on Claypool’s 2nd TD catch ( turned out to not be a TD)
He’s a good teammate and a good kid. Some of you guys are just fabricating stuff in your own minds.
He’s more than likely still dealing with that knee injury.

 

JuJu is not 100% and, Last couple games have been without DJ...Just so many weapons

 

Maybe, but that's because we "have" a mind.

This could explain a lot

 

I haven’t noticed anything about his demeanour. Are there any specific examples I’m missing?

 

That would be a mistake, Diontae can't stay on the field, they will need JuJu later on this season.

 

Not a good mind in your case though