Tag: JuJu Smith-Schuster

Chiefs HC Andy Reid comments on potential deadline trade for a wide receiver

Kansas City #Chiefs head coach Andy Reid comments on potential deadline trade for a wide receiver | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid spoke with reporters on Monday via Zoom regarding his thoughts on returning players Kareem Hunt and JuJu Smith-Schuster making an impact and the upcoming trade deadline.

“They know how we operate. They know the offense. They’re comfortable with Kareem (Hunt), who had obviously been away for a while, but he was able to pick everything up quickly. He and Pat (Patrick Mahomes) are very good friends.” said Reid. “They stayed in touch throughout the years here. So, you know, he was welcomed back in. Yeah, you have that part of it, the comfort part on the chair you’re welcome back in and to get things rolled, and that opens up another avenue there for him psychologically.”

Reid also addressed what he and general manager Brett Veach would look for in a potential wide receiver trade at the deadline. Last year’s deal for Mecole Hardman and the preseason signing of Smith-Schuster were used as examples because of their familiarity and history with the franchise.

“I think that helped JuJu (Smith-Schuster) and his situation coming back in and jumping in. It helped Mecole (Hardman) come back, but I’m not telling the other guys can’t come in and help out. So that’s not, I don’t think that’s an issue.” said Reid. “It’s just going to take a little bit longer to figure it out and get on the same page with Pat (Patrick Mahomes), and all those things will be quite what you’ve seen with these other guys that have been in it, but that’s, and I’m not saying that we need to bring anybody else in.”

Reid has said in past press conferences he is fine with the current group of receivers, although rumors continue to spread about the team being active before the trade deadline.

Will Pickens’ immaturity lead to an eventual trade from Pittsburgh?

George Pickens’ immaturity is placing him on a path that similarly talented wide receivers from Pittsburgh followed: straight off the team.

A common rule of thumb in NFL locker rooms is that coaches would rather have receivers who demand the football than players who don’t mind being left out of the game plan for the week. The difference between the two is practically the definition of what Pittsburgh lacks: playmakers. 

George Pickens is one such playmaker, with more highlight-reel catches over the past few seasons than most players have in their entire careers. However, the issue isn’t his ability on the football field; it’s his maturity off of it. 

Pickens has consistently shown his true colors when faced with adversity—whether it’s a lack of effort on run plays last season, mishandling media responsibilities, unsportsmanlike conduct with Dallas defensive backs, or now the NFL’s investigation into the explicit language in his eye black from Week 5. 

Receivers like Antonio Brown, Martavis Bryant, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Diontae Johnson have all been embroiled in off-the-field drama in one way or another. Pittsburgh handled this the best way they could: they traded them or let them hit free agency. Is Pickens the next one out the door? 

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Chiefs JuJu Smith-Schuster discusses leadership: ‘Trying to build that relationship’

Kansas City #Chiefs JuJu Smith-Schuster discusses leadership: ‘Trying to build that relationship’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster addressed his role in the locker room for the team during his postgame press conference on Monday night.

“I love it, it’s great. There’s no better feeling than knowing these guys are looking up to you and being a role model,” said Smith-Schuster. “Every day, I set the standard and try to help them out in any way I can – not just on the field but off the field. Doing stuff that keeps them happy, hanging out with them, just trying to build that relationship.”

Smith-Schuster finished Monday’s victory over the New Orleans Saints with seven catches for 130 yards. He led the team receiving that week, but he made sure to share some appreciation for teammate Justin Watson.

“Not necessarily. Another person I would love to give the spotlight to that you guys don’t understand is Justin Watson,” said Smith-Schuster. “He’s another great dude who has been here for quite some time. When I got here, he was the guy who I was leaning on the most. Coming back, obviously I’m familiar with the plays, but seeing new faces and seeing a guy like him – he’s a great leader. Don’t give it up to me; he is a guy who helps out a lot.”

The Chiefs expect to be without Rashee Rice due to a knee injury, making the re-signing of Smith-Schuster much more valuable for the postseason push.

Patrick Mahomes ruined Paul Rudd’s ManningCast segment by throwing a pick to Saints’ Khalen Saunders

Not like this, Paul Rudd. Not like this.

Kansas City Chiefs superfan Paul Rudd picked the wrong time to join the ManningCast on Monday night.

Rudd hopped on with Peyton and Eli Manning to discuss his team’s Monday Night Football game against the New Orleans Saints, but his appearance immediately went in the wrong direction at no fault of his own.

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes threw a shocking pick to Saints defensive tackle (and former Kansas City player) Khalen Saunders, and Rudd looked truly devastated as he watched the whole play unfold with the Manning brothers.

What stung even more was Rudd predicted Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster would score a touchdown right before the interception. That’s who Mahomes targeted on the play before Saunders picked the quarterback off.

You have to watch Rudd process this lowlight in the moment because it’s just priceless.

Feature image courtesy of ESPN. 

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Chiefs coaching staff evaluates wide receiver room after four games

Kansas City #Chiefs coaching staff evaluates wide receiver room after four games | @EdEastonJr

Rashee Rice’s knee injury took away the Kansas City Chiefs’ top receiver last Sunday, forcing the coaching staff to look for another player to step into that role.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid spoke with reporters on Monday via Zoom about the state of several wide receivers on the roster after Rice’s injury. He included rookie standout Xavier Worthy, fresh from his spectacular 54-yard touchdown reception last Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers.

“We’ll see how he does (Worthy). We’ve got guys here who have experience playing the game. It’s not that he’s the only one; he doesn’t have to be the only one.” said Reid. “So, we’ve got a good group of guys there that we can utilize, and we normally spread the ball around, and that’s what we’ll continue to strive to do.”

The Chiefs added JuJu Smith-Schuster to the roster shortly before the start of the regular season, and he’s already contributed with a touchdown reception this season.

“I think he’s (Smith-Schuster) played quite a bit up to this point. And I think he’s in good shape,” said Reid. “Pat’s (Patrick Mahomes) got a lot of trust in him, and he’s still a good football player.

Skyy Moore has been another consistent player this season, although not statistically, and Reid commented on his contributions to the team.

“Sky is a good football player. He’s given us some good downs. He had the one drop yesterday on the third down.” said Reid. “He knows he has to make it, but he’s given us some good downs over these four games. So we’re OK.”

The number of targets for each player may significantly increase over the next few weeks.

Chiefs vs. Falcons: Patrick Mahomes finds JuJu Smith-Schuster for touchdown

#Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes found veteran WR JuJu Smith-Schuster for a touchdown in Kansas City’s Week 3 matchup against the #Falcons.

The Kansas City Chiefs’ offense has struggled to start the 2024 regular season, and for the first half of their Week 3 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, it seemed that the defending champions would continue the trend.

After Patrick Mahomes threw an interception on Kansas City’s first drive, Atlanta seemed to have an early advantage.

But, when the Chiefs opened the second half with the ball, Mahomes and Kansas City’s passing game finally began to click, and they marched with ease toward the endzone.

At the end of a long drive, Mahomes hit veteran wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster for a touchdown.

Take a look at this video of the perfectly executed catch and score by Smith-Schuster, which was posted by the Chiefs’ official Twitter account:

With the injury to veteran wide receiver Marquise ‘Hollywood’ Brown, other receivers such as Smith-Schuster will be needed in big spots during Kansas City’s 2024 regular season campaign.

Chiefs WR JuJu Smith-Schuster announces engagement

#Chiefs WR JuJu Smith-Schuster announced his engagement in a post to Instagram this week.

According to a recent social media post by Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, the former USC Trojan is getting engaged to his long-time girlfriend Laura Kruk.

The veteran receiver announced his engagement via Instagram on Wednesday with the caption “I thank God every day for you. Now & Forever 💍,” after popping the question on a yacht off the coast of Nantucket Island in Massachusetts.

Several of his Chiefs’ teammates, including quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce, commented on Smith-Schuster’s post, congratulating him on his engagement.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C_wbVyhOpk3/?img_index=1

Smith-Schuster has had a whirlwind year after being cut by the New England Patriots earlier this year before being picked up by the Chiefs last month.

After returning to the reigning Super Bowl champions and getting engaged, the veteran is presumably on cloud nine and could work his way into Kansas City’s offensive game plan against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 2 on Sunday.

Chiefs vs. Ravens Week 1: How to watch, listen and stream

Check out everything you need to know to watch, listen, or stream the #Chiefs’ Week 1 matchup against the #Ravens on Thursday night.

The Kansas City Chiefs are set to kick off the NFL’s 2024 regular season with a Thursday night matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, their first meeting since a dramatic 17-10 win in the AFC Championship game in January.

This game marks the start of Kansas City’s attempt to complete the NFL’s first-ever three-peat and promises to be among the best matchups on the league’s Week 1 schedule.

With veteran wide receiver Marquise ‘Hollywood’ Brown out in Thursday’s game, the reigning Super Bowl champs will need to turn to receivers Xavier Worthy and JuJu Smith-Schuster to compete with the Ravens’ high-powered offense.

Fans should expect to see the teams’ newest additions fill the gap left by the temporary loss of Brown.

Below are important game details about this preseason matchup:

Game information:

Who: Kansas City Chiefs vs. Baltimore Ravens

When: Thursday, September 5, 7:20 p.m. CST

Where: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium – Kanas City, Missouri

Streaming:

In-market live stream: FuboTV (free 7-day trial)

Streaming: NFL+ or Peacock

[afflinkbutton text=”Watch Chiefs vs. Ravens FREE on Fubo” link=”https://www.fubo.tv/welcome/leagues/191277?irad=356362&irmp=1205322&subId1=SMG&subId2=NFLWires&subId3=2024″]

Broadcast:

TV: NBC, KSHB-TV (Channel 41) (Watch FREE with Fubo)

Radio: KFNZ-FM (96.5 The Fan)

Broadcasters:

Mike Tirico (play-by-play), Chris Collinsworth (analyst), Melissa Stark (sideline)

Opponent wire site:

Ravens Wire

2024 Schedule:

Week Date Opponent Time
1 Thursday, Sept. 5 vs. Baltimore Ravens 7:20 p.m. CT on NBC
2 Sunday, Sept. 15 vs. Cincinnati Bengals 3:25 p.m. CT on CBS
3 Sunday, Sept. 22 @ Atlanta Falcons 7:20 p.m. CT on NBC
4 Sunday, Sept. 29 @ Los Angeles Chargers 3:25 p.m. CT on CBS
5 Monday, Oct. 7 vs. New Orleans Saints 7:15 p.m CT on ESPN
6 BYE BYE BYE
7 Sunday, Oct. 20 @ San Francisco 49ers 3:25 p.m. CT on FOX
8 Sunday, Oct. 27 @ Las Vegas Raiders 3:25 p.m. CT on CBS
9 Monday, Nov. 4 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7:15 p.m. CT on ESPN
10 Sunday, Nov. 10 vs. Denver Broncos Noon CT on CBS
11 Sunday, Nov. 17 @ Buffalo Bills 3:25 p.m. CT on CBS
12 Sunday, Nov. 24 @ Carolina Panthers Noon CT on CBS
13 Friday, Nov. 29 vs Las Vegas Raiders 2 p.m. CT on Prime
14 Sunday, Dec. 8 vs. Los Angeles Chargers 7:20 p.m. CT on NBC
15 Sunday, Dec. 15 @ Cleveland Browns Noon CT on CBS
16 Saturday, Dec. 21 vs. Houston Texans Noon CT on NBC
17 Wednesday, Dec. 25 @ Pittsburgh Steelers Noon CT on Netflix
18 Sunday, Jan. 5 @ Denver Broncos TBD

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JuJu Smith-Schuster on his role with the Chiefs: ‘Coming in to be a leader in that room’

JuJu Smith-Schuster on his role with the Kansas City #Chiefs: ‘Coming in to be a leader in that room’ | @EdEastonJr

The start of the regular season is a week away, and the Kansas City Chiefs have trimmed their roster to 53 players. A few deals were made before the deadline, including signing veteran wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster.

Smith-Schuster spoke with reporters on Tuesday after practice about his new role with the Chiefs as he begins his second tenure.

“You got speed down the field (and) great hands. Last year, me watching Rashee Rice – his kind of position I played the year I was here,” said Smith-Schuster. “It was very cool to see how those guys used him in that way (and) in that form—being able to just see that and coming in to be a leader in that room – being a vet in the room. Just being able to help those young guys out.”

Smith-Schuster is only 27 years old, but he still fully embraces the mentorship role for the younger receivers. Entering his 8th season, he’s already experienced the highs and lows of the league while still competing at a high level.

“Yesterday (Monday) was my first practice, and being able to see (Xavier) Worthy run was pretty impressive,” said Smith-Schuster. “He was just like floating across the field. It’s pretty cool that (we have) a guy like him who can open up the offense.”

The 2017 second-round pick can play multiple roles in the offense, making him valuable for the Chiefs to pick up well after training camp. His instant chemistry with Mahomes and mastery of head coach Andy Reid’s playbook are all essential in the talented receivers’ room.

Chiefs WR JuJu Smith-Schuster discusses potentially playing in the season opener vs. Ravens

Kansas City #Chiefs WR JuJu Smith-Schuster discusses potentially playing in the season opener vs. Baltimore #Ravens | @EdEastonJr

On Monday, the Kansas City Chiefs brought back a familiar face in wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, resigning him ahead of the 2024 regular season.

Smith-Schuster spoke to reporters after Tuesday’s practice for the first since re-signing with the Chiefs. He explained his decision to rejoin Kansas City after being released by the New England Patriots.

“Just very familiar with the offense. Very familiar with (Head Coach) Andy Reid, Pat (Patrick Mahomes) (and) the guys. “Just being in this facility makes your job a lot easier than going somewhere new, where you kind of got to learn everything pretty quickly,” said Smith-Schuster. “I think the hardest part for an offensive player is going into a new system and having to study a whole new playbook. Being in New England, I studied two playbooks and two offensive playbooks. Being familiar with this playbook.”

Smith-Schuster recorded 29 catches for 260 yards in 11 games (7 starts) last season for the struggling Patriots. He was Patrick Mahomes’ favorite target during the 2022 season and hopes to continue that familiarity in 2024, regardless of whether he’s ready for the regular season opener against the Baltimore Ravens.

“Too early to say I just got the playbook. So it’s, some things have changed,” said Smith-Schuster, so just, taking it day by day. But (you) never know.”

Smith-Schuster is a reliable veteran that can play multiple roles in the receivers room. The Chiefs needed reliable hands after last year’s issues with dropped passes.