Just about a month after previous similar comments, former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver, JuJu Smith-Schuster took to KDKA News Radio as reported by 93.7 The Fan to take another low blow at head coach, Mike Tomlin. Smith-Schuster, 25, is already on record claiming that his current head coach in Kansas City, Andy Reid has taught him more in these last few months than the former USC standout had learned in all five years in Pittsburgh. Yikes.
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach, Mike Tomlin has words with wide receivers JuJu Smith-Schuster (#19) and Darrius Heyward-Bey (#88) during a regular season game. | Peter Diana / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
On Monday evening, Smith-Schuster was back at it. When asked about playing for Reid, he didn't hold back:
"Yeah, it's amazing," Smith-Schuster exclaimed. "I've been in a system [Pittsburgh] for five years where, you know, we had a defensive head coach where, you know, defensive-minded, and you know, it was totally... it was a big difference, big change. And I think being here [Kansas City], having Any Reid, actually helps us study the plays, and you know, go through it day in and day out. It's actually really, really nice."
One can argue that this is more of a glowing recommendation for Reid, and not a slight at Tomlin. Especially considering the fact that Smith-Schuster is an offensive player, and Tomlin's main forte is the defensive side of the ball. Nonetheless, one can also argue that these comments belittle Tomlin as a coach, and undermine the experience a player might have playing in the Steel City.
Smith-Schuster has already eclipsed his receptions and receiving yardage from a season ago and is on pace to put up similar numbers he had in 2020 with Pittsburgh (97 receptions, 831 receiving yards, 9 touchdown receptions). That's arguably his second best season while a member of the Black and Gold, while 2018 reigns supreme for the six-year veteran, finishing the year with 111 receptions, 1,426 receiving yards, 7 touchdown receptions, and a Pro Bowl appearance.
Wide receiver, JuJu Smith-Schuster (#19) and running back, James Conner (#30) at the 2018 Pro Bowl. | USA TODAY
So what do yinz think? Was this another shot at the Pittsburgh head coach? Or was this Smith-Schuster just simply giving much deserved credit to his new head coach in Kansas City? Make sure to click to comment below!
#SteelerNation
MORE STEELERS NEWS
- Former Pittsburgh WR Antonio Brown Details Vontaze Burfict Hit From 2016; Confident He’s #1 WR In Steelers History
- Former Star Pittsburgh DB Says Trading Challenging WR Claypool was “Much Needed” in 2022
- Pittsburgh HC Mike Tomlin Was Optimistic About The Potential Return Of TJ Watt And Damontae Kazee; Not Officially Activated Yet
