3. Two Steelers Exceed 1,000 Receiving Yards
In 2019, no Steelers receiver recorded over 1,000 receiving yards for the first time since 2012, when Ben Roethlisberger missed three games. However, Pittsburgh’s pass-catchers should flip the script in 2020 and post bounce-back seasons.
JuJu Smith-Schuster carries a heavy burden this season. The former second-round pick thrived alongside Antonio Brown in 2018. Unfortunately, injuries and inconsistent quarterback play forced Smith-Schuster to shrink from the spotlight in 2019. His production got halved.
This coming season offers another opportunity for Smith-Schuster to prove he’s a capable top receiving option. While the USC product played poorly last year while Diontae Johnson impressed and James Washington set career-highs, I’m still a firm believer in Smith-Schuster’s ability to thrive alongside Big Ben.
He might never match his 2018 production, but Smith-Schuster should cross the 1,000-yard barrier for the second time in his career in 2020.
Two other Steelers receivers could conceivably record 1,000 yards in 2020. Chase Claypool is off the table because I don’t see him playing many snaps. That leaves Johnson and Washington.
Last season, Washington led the Steelers with 735 receiving yards. However, Johnson led the team with 59 receptions, five receiving touchdowns, and 92 targets. We haven’t seen either player spend much time on the field with Roethlisberger yet, but I’d lean toward Johnson fulfilling his potential in 2020 and reaching 1,000 yards.
