Embed from Getty Images
For the first time in his NFL career, wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster will not be donning colors of the Pittsburgh Steelers. The former USC Trojan is now in Kansas City, as the Chiefs signed him to a one-year deal earlier this offseason. One of many changes to the offense in KC, Smith-Schuster is hoping to help create a new identity for the team’s offensive unit.
While with the Steelers, Smith-Schuster was held in check in recent seasons, so to speak. This does not completely include his sense of production. Rather, Smith-Schuster was one of many pass catchers who Pittsburgh had to use on short, quick throws. There were still some occasional intermediate to deep shots that were taken. But for the most part, the Steelers had become largely subjected into a “pop gun” offense. JuJu Smith-Schuster saw his yards per reception numbers fade to career lows, as a result.
With his career move to Kansas City, the wide receiver may be able to benefit both he and the team to new heights. The specific style of play that Smith-Schuster utilizes is arguably a perfect match for this current Chiefs squad. Meanwhile, how could Kansas City’s gameplan elevate this pass catcher moving forward? There may be no limit to JuJu Smith-Schuster in an environment like this. Let’s kick it off.
Smith-Schuster’s Style Of Play
With the absence of Tyreek Hill, it will be fascinating to see how much Kansas City moves some of these new wide receivers around within the formation. JuJu Smith-Schuster has generally won most of his reps from the slot. The denser build of this pass catcher is not something that Andy Reid or the Chiefs have had from most of their high-profile slot receivers. In fact, Smith-Schuster wins most of his reps by imposing his will and strength on opposing defensive backs. This not only leads to frustration, but it allows for JuJu to make difficult catches in traffic look rather easy. That is especially true when you have the rules of today’s pass happy NFL, favoring offensive skill players.
Elsewhere, JuJu Smith-Schuster is able to create yards after the catch for himself in a multitude of ways. He simply knows how to make defenders miss. Whether that is with elusiveness or upper body strength, the wide receiver knows how and when to pick his spots in space. At the same time, his physicality with the ball in his hands is something that Smith-Schuster does not shy away from. All of these aspects after the catch are more elements that most wide receivers have not possessed while with the Chiefs in recent years.
How Does That Translate To Chiefs’ Offense?
Teams have begun to defend the Chiefs differently over the last couple of seasons. Looking to take away the deep ball, opponents are forcing Patrick Mahomes to take what is given to him. That was certainly a challenge for the young quarterback early last season. Though, as the season began to get deeper last year, Mahomes started to let his pass catchers create more damage for themselves after the catch.
-
Ep 39: Quarterback Contracts, Hill vs Adams, Top 5 QB Contracts
by Full Press Coverage on August 1, 2022 at 12:36 am
The run after catch ability is already enticing for a new piece like JuJu Smith-Schuster, alone. Yet, there is something about his mentality and toughness that also stands out from others at his position. Smith-Schuster plays with immense tenacity on offense. Because of that, the Chiefs can begin to work more routes to the middle of the field more often. They do plenty of this with Travis Kelce already. In the case of Smith-Schuster, his demanding presence when working the middle allow for the offense to continue to grind at the heart of the defense.
In recent seasons, Coach Reid has also begun to incorporate plenty of horizontal action within the routes. Smith-Schuster’s candidness in tight areas could help those attempts open up more for everyone as a whole on the Chiefs offense. Moreover, Reid has been able to dial up successful man coverage beaters. With the ability to win from underneath like JuJu Smith-Schuster can, Kansas City could essentially have more quick, open looks to work with overall.
Is Patrick Mahomes The Perfect Match For JuJu?
We mentioned above that the Steelers offense had resorted to a dumbed down “pop gun” offense, in a sense, with Ben Roethlisberger. As tremendous of a career as Big Ben had, there was a definite pre-determined ceiling capped on the supporting cast in Pittsburgh during the last couple of years. Just for starters, getting out of that minimized environment is huge for any wide receiver.
There are a wide-ranging set of items that come with playing with Mahomes. Not every team has that luxury when pairing their new pass catchers with their signal caller. First off, Mahomes is ahead of most of the other younger quarterbacks, when it comes to his wicked release and timing with getting the ball in the teammate’s hands. There is also an uncanniness to his ball placement when that first item is on point. Finally, Mahomes has the rare ability to manipulate the eyes and feet of opposing defenders with his mannerisms. Not every quarterback exemplifies these aspects. And for JuJu Smith-Schuster, these items were not continually present recently in Pittsburgh.
The Chiefs are still one of the more exotic offenses for teams to have to defend. Smith-Schuster has not seen that benefit throughout most of his career. In turn, a change of scenery may have been just what he needed. Coming off of injury-riddled seasons and seasons with limited production, Smith-Schuster needed to be in a spot where the offense attacks space. In Pittsburgh, he still found ways to be creative and build upon explosive plays. If that continues in Kansas City, the Chiefs will be gifted by the diverse talent of JuJu Smith-Schuster.
Be on the lookout for more FPC Chiefs articles in the coming days. For more great sports and NFL content, stay tuned to Full Press Coverage.
– Braden Holecek is the Kansas City Chiefs managing editor for Full Press Coverage. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @ebearcat9//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Follow @FPC_Chiefs//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js and Facebook.
-
Ep 117: Former Chiefs VP of Player Personnel Bill Kuharich Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on August 3, 2022 at 10:26 pm
Former Chiefs VP of Player Personnel Bill Kuharich joins Clark and Ira to […]
-
Ep 116: Former Buccaneers Head Coach Bruce Arians Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on June 29, 2022 at 3:03 am
Former Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians joins Clark and Ira to discuss […]
-
Ep 115: Gil Brandt Joins The Show To Remember Cowboys RB Don Perkinsby Full Press Coverage on June 22, 2022 at 3:46 pm
Pro Football Hall of Famer Gil Brandt joins Clark and Ira to discuss the […]
-
Ep 114: Former Bengals QB Ken Anderson Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on June 15, 2022 at 5:12 pm
Former Bengals quarterback and NFL MVP, Ken Anderson, joins Clark and Ira […]
-
Ep 113: HOF Voter Barry Wilner Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on June 10, 2022 at 6:04 pm
For AP chief correspondent and current Pro Football Hall of Fame voter, […]
-
Ep 112: Colts Owner Jim Irsay Joins To Talk "The Jim Irsay Collection"by Full Press Coverage on May 31, 2022 at 3:05 pm
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay returns to the show to talk with Calrk […]
-
Ep 111: Joe Horrigan Returns To Remember Vietnam Veteran And Former Bills OT Bob Kalsuby Full Press Coverage on May 25, 2022 at 9:25 pm
As we approach Memorial Day, Joe Horrigan returns to the show to talk to […]
-
Ep 110: New Playoff Teams In 2022; Best Matchups On NFL Scehduleby Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 3:42 am
Clark, Ira, and Ian give their four teams that didn't make the NFL […]
-
Ep 117: Former Chiefs VP of Player Personnel Bill Kuharich Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on August 3, 2022 at 10:26 pm
Former Chiefs VP of Player Personnel Bill Kuharich joins Clark and Ira to […]
-
Ep 116: Former Buccaneers Head Coach Bruce Arians Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on June 29, 2022 at 3:03 am
Former Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians joins Clark and Ira to discuss […]
-
Ep 115: Gil Brandt Joins The Show To Remember Cowboys RB Don Perkinsby Full Press Coverage on June 22, 2022 at 3:46 pm
Pro Football Hall of Famer Gil Brandt joins Clark and Ira to discuss the […]
-
Ep 114: Former Bengals QB Ken Anderson Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on June 15, 2022 at 5:12 pm
Former Bengals quarterback and NFL MVP, Ken Anderson, joins Clark and Ira […]
-
Ep 113: HOF Voter Barry Wilner Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on June 10, 2022 at 6:04 pm
For AP chief correspondent and current Pro Football Hall of Fame voter, […]
-
Ep 112: Colts Owner Jim Irsay Joins To Talk "The Jim Irsay Collection"by Full Press Coverage on May 31, 2022 at 3:05 pm
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay returns to the show to talk with Calrk […]
-
Ep 111: Joe Horrigan Returns To Remember Vietnam Veteran And Former Bills OT Bob Kalsuby Full Press Coverage on May 25, 2022 at 9:25 pm
As we approach Memorial Day, Joe Horrigan returns to the show to talk to […]
-
Ep 110: New Playoff Teams In 2022; Best Matchups On NFL Scehduleby Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 3:42 am
Clark, Ira, and Ian give their four teams that didn't make the NFL […]
-
Ep 244: Auction Draft Strategyby Full Press Coverage on August 6, 2022 at 4:20 pm
-
Ep 243: TE Tiers TE 2022by Full Press Coverage on August 4, 2022 at 1:32 pm
-
Ep 242: WR Tiers Part 2by Full Press Coverage on July 29, 2022 at 7:39 pm
-
Ep 241: WR Tiers 2022 Part 1by Full Press Coverage on July 28, 2022 at 1:50 pm
-
Tyreek Hill vs. Davante Adams: Who Has The Better Season?by Full Press Coverage on August 1, 2022 at 12:48 am
From Full Press NFL Weekly, Ian Glendon, Braden Holecek, and Kyle Senra […]
-
Julio Jones Signs in Tampa Bayby Full Press Coverage on July 29, 2022 at 2:11 pm
Ian and John discuss Julio Jones joining Tom Brady in Tampa Bay. Learn […]
-
Juan Soto Wins Home Run Derby; Is It Worth Watching?by Full Press Coverage on July 19, 2022 at 1:10 pm
From FPC Radio LIVE, Ian Glendon and John Sapochetti react to Juan Soto's […]
-
Jimmy Garoppolo To Tampa Bay? Not so Fastby Full Press Coverage on July 11, 2022 at 1:09 pm
From FPC Radio LIVE, Ian Glendon and John Sapochetti discuss the latest […]
-
Recapping The 2022 Pro Football Hall of Fame Ceremonyby Full Press Coverage on August 9, 2022 at 2:21 pm
Ian discusses his experience in Canton and the Hall of Fame ceremony with […]
-
8/9 - Pro Football Hall of Fame; Shawshank Prison; Aaron Rodgersby Full Press Coverage on August 9, 2022 at 2:06 pm
Ian and John recap the Hall of Fame weekend, discuss Ian's Shawshank […]
-
Tom Brady Turns 45; Is He Still The Face Of The NFL?by Full Press Coverage on August 3, 2022 at 9:49 pm
Ian and John discuss Tom Brady on his 45th birthday and ask the […]
-
8/3 - Vin Scully, Tom Brady, Stephen Ross and the Dolphinsby Full Press Coverage on August 3, 2022 at 1:20 pm
Ian and John discuss the passing of Vin Scully, Tom Brady's birthday, and […]
-
Bill Russell Passes Away At 88by Full Press Coverage on August 1, 2022 at 3:16 pm
Ian and John react to the passing of Celtics' legend, Bill Russell.
-
8/1 - Bill Russell Passes Away; Deshaun Watson Suspendedby Full Press Coverage on August 1, 2022 at 1:59 pm
Ian and John discuss the passing of Celtics' legend Bill Russell and the […]
-
7/29 - Kyler Murray, Julio Jones to Tampa, D.K. Metcalf Extensionby Full Press Coverage on July 29, 2022 at 2:04 pm
Ian and John discuss the Kyler Murray extension, Julio Jones signing in […]
-
Is An Eight-Game Suspension Too Light For Deshaun Watsonby Full Press Coverage on July 22, 2022 at 4:29 pm
Ian and John discuss the rumored 8-game suspension for Browns quarterback, […]
-
Ep 39: Quarterback Contracts, Hill vs Adams, Top 5 QB Contractsby Full Press Coverage on August 1, 2022 at 12:36 am
Ian, Braden, and Kyle discuss the new quarterback contracts, Tyreek Hill […]
-
Ep 38: Tyreek Hill Traded To The Dolphinsby Full Press Coverage on March 24, 2022 at 12:10 am
Ian and Braden react to the trade of Tyreek Hill from the Chiefs to the […]
-
Talkamania Episode 229by Talkamania on August 5, 2022 at 3:37 am
-
Talkamania Episode 227by Talkamania on June 12, 2022 at 3:27 am
-
Boot 2 The Face Episode 193 "Summer Slam Review"by Boot 2 The Face on August 8, 2022 at 10:05 am
Marty and Rucker return to talk the sights and sounds of Nashville for WWE […]
-
Boot 2 The Face Episode 191 "Summer Slam Preview"by Boot 2 The Face on July 28, 2022 at 12:31 am
Rucker is joined by Angel and Timmy C of Filter Free Popcast who you can […]
-
Episode 57 Criss Partee is joined by Spencer Skjeie to analyze the latest around the assosciationby Full Press Coverage on August 10, 2022 at 7:25 am
-
(Season 2.3) Training Camp Talk w/Zach Selby and Trevor Storesby Full Press Coverage on August 10, 2022 at 12:43 am
-
8/9 - Pro Football Hall of Fame; Shawshank Prison; Aaron Rodgersby Full Press Coverage on August 9, 2022 at 2:06 pm
-
Ep. 17: 2022 Penn State Football Previewby Full Press Coverage on August 9, 2022 at 5:00 am
-
(Seasons 2.2) Commanders Camp Week 3: Roundtable discussion w/ Street Scores Rico and Felix Trammellby Full Press Coverage on August 9, 2022 at 12:41 am
-
Ep. 16: 2022 Auburn Football Previewby Full Press Coverage on August 8, 2022 at 5:00 am
-
Ep 140: Training Camp Part 2by Full Press Coverage on August 7, 2022 at 7:36 pm
-
Ep 244: Auction Draft Strategyby Full Press Coverage on August 6, 2022 at 4:20 pm
-
Ep 125: Mabel/Visceraby Full Press Coverage on August 6, 2022 at 2:00 pm
-
Talkamania Episode 229by Talkamania on August 5, 2022 at 3:37 am
-
Recapping The 2022 Pro Football Hall of Fame Ceremonyby Full Press Coverage on August 9, 2022 at 2:21 pm
-
8/9 - Pro Football Hall of Fame; Shawshank Prison; Aaron Rodgersby Full Press Coverage on August 9, 2022 at 2:06 pm
-
Tom Brady Turns 45; Is He Still The Face Of The NFL?by Full Press Coverage on August 3, 2022 at 9:49 pm
-
8/3 - Vin Scully, Tom Brady, Stephen Ross and the Dolphinsby Full Press Coverage on August 3, 2022 at 1:20 pm
-
Bill Russell Passes Away At 88by Full Press Coverage on August 1, 2022 at 3:16 pm
-
8/1 - Bill Russell Passes Away; Deshaun Watson Suspendedby Full Press Coverage on August 1, 2022 at 1:59 pm
-
7/29 - Kyler Murray, Julio Jones to Tampa, D.K. Metcalf Extensionby Full Press Coverage on July 29, 2022 at 2:04 pm
-
Is An Eight-Game Suspension Too Light For Deshaun Watsonby Full Press Coverage on July 22, 2022 at 4:29 pm
-
7/22 - Kyler Murray Contract, Watson Suspension, Top 5 NFC Teamsby Full Press Coverage on July 22, 2022 at 12:50 pm
-
7/20 - Charles Barkley, Pre Game Shows, Top 5 AFC Teamsby Full Press Coverage on July 20, 2022 at 1:23 pm