New England Patriots wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster recognizing himself as a possible good fit in New England wasn’t a feeling that came to him overnight.
It was something he knew long ago, due to the organization’s strategy against him as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The moment came in the 2018 season. New England recognized that Smith-Schuster was going to be a tough matchup for the defense. As a result, they double-teamed him in coverage. The strategy worked, as Smith-Schuster recorded only four catches for 40 yards and zero touchdowns.
However, New England still went on to lose that game by a 17-10 margin.
Ever since that day, Smith-Schuster made it a point to remember it. He considers it a sign of respect from Patriots coach Bill Belichick.
“When I was in Pittsburgh for five years, we crossed paths multiple times,” Smith-Schuster said, via NESN’s Dakota Randall. “I respect his game. One thing I’ve learned playing against Bill, is that if he ever double-teams you, obviously you’re a key player in his eyes. So, I think back then when he was doing that, I saw it as, ‘OK he respects my game. He respects me.’
“Being able to circle back around in Year 7, to be here, kinda shows that he still has that for me.”
Smith-Schuster’s fit in the offense will be a fascinating one. In what will be a year of new faces and uncertainty, the respect between player and coach is unquestioned.
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