The Kansas City Chiefs return to action on “Sunday Night Football” this week against the Tennessee Titans following the bye week, looking to pull together for a solid run to the postseason. One of the many essential contributors has been wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster is quickly adjusting to the Chiefs system following five seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The former Pro Bowl receiver addressed multiple topics as a guest on the latest episode of Block Forever hosted by 13-year NFL veteran offensive lineman Ryan Kalil. The Audiorama podcast focused on Smith-Schuster’s transition from Pittsburgh to Kansas City with the quarterback and head coach comparisons.
“I’ll say, Big Ben (Roethlisberger), like his touch passes, like it’s pretty damn good,” Smith-Schuster said. “Like he’s putting it — he’s played so long that he knows how to put that touch on it, like if you shoot a three-pointer. For example, like someone ran across, you have a safety or top corner, outside linebacker underneath, (Ben Roethlisberger is) putting a little touch and dropping in the pocket. (Patrick) Mahomes, he had a crazy pass this past game where he can be on the opposite side of the field and throw a sidearm to get past the defense, and for us to get the ball. I mean, both are good, Ben with the touch pass, Patrick Mahomes with the darts and just putting it on the money in the spot.”
Smith-Schuster earned multiple honors with the Steelers, including a 2018 Pro Bowl selection, the youngest player to reach 2,500 career receiving yards, and the first to have two offensive touchdowns of at least 97 yards. He would tell Kalil about the differences he’s noticed between Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin and Kansas City’s Andy Reid.
“(The) biggest difference? So Coach (Mike) Tomlin is a defensive coach, head coach, great coach of defensive schemes, all that,” said Smith-Schuster. “Andy Reid (is an) offensive coach, big offensive scheme guy, you know. And I’ll say like that’s like the biggest difference, that they both master each side of the ball.”
After seven games with the Chiefs, Smith-Schuster has 34 catches for 494 yards and two touchdowns. He’s increased his production over the last few weeks leading into the bye week, becoming a trusted option for Mahomes.
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