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In the postgame press conference after the team’s overtime win over the Seattle Seahawks, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was asked about life without wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster. Roethlisberger made it clear while other guys made plays you can’t just replace a guy like Smith-Schuster.
However, on a follow-up question about wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud being on the field more, Roethlisberger did say he believes he’s the guy the team is going to use to do some of those things.
Really? Can someone explain what James Washington has done so wrong to not get an opportunity with this team? Washington is practically a physical clone of Smith-Schuster, excels at the same routes and offers much more in terms of a complete receiver and blocker. Not to mention McCloud is the team’s primary kickoff and punt returner. Why trot him out for more reps in the passing game.
If anything, tight end Pat Freiermuth was the guy who filled the void on Sunday. Seven catches on seven targets for 58 yards feels very much like a Smith-Schuster box score. The Steelers put Smith-Schuster on IR this week after successful shoulder surgery.
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