By: Jonathan Clark
SteelerNation.com
In the beginning of the 2020 NFL season, there was a lot of hype/attention surrounding the Steelers WR core. Obviously led by star WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (going into the year as the teams #1 target), there are some names below Smith-Schuster on the depth chart that are making a name for themselves during these first five games.
QB Ben Roethlisberger is back, that part is obvious. Him being back elevates the play of everyone around him. So stats were bound to go up after a disappointing 2019 season offensively. We’ve seen the emergence of rookie wideout Chase Claypool, already snagging 17 receptions for 335 yards and 4 touchdowns in just 5 games. He seems to be one of Ben’s favorite targets this season, and if he keeps it up, he could be looking at an amazing career ahead.
Diontae Johnson has opened a lot of eyes this year as well. His 2020 season has started somewhat shaky, but has provided production to counter balance that. So far, even after missing 2 games due to injury, Johnson has caught 14 passes for 149 yards and grabbed a touchdown in Week 2 against the Denver Broncos. He and Ben still seem to be developing a relationship on the field, trying to gain that chemistry that a quarterback needs with his receiver. But with talent like Johnson has, it's hard not to imagine them building a strong bond for years to come, with production to come.
The one name that seems to be lost in all of this is James Washington. He’s a name we shouldn’t be forgetting about. Washington is in his third year in the black and gold and has experienced some ups and downs throughout. His first season was a struggle. Coming out of college, Washington was known for his “ball-hawk” abilities. Coming in with high expectations, Washington struggled to find his place in the offense. He had trouble holding onto the football, but did make some plays that would "wow" you, giving SteelerNation some faith.
His second season gave us more confidence in what Washington can really do. He had a pretty good year considering the circumstances at quarterback last season. He was reunited with his former college QB Mason Rudolph in the black and gold, but the two honestly just did not seem to have the chemistry that they did on the field, whether that be from lack of snaps or lack of play calling. Between the two QB's under center last season, Devlin Hodges and Mason Rudolph, Washington caught 44 passes for 735 yards and 3 touchdowns and was the Steelers leading receiver as far as yards are concerned during that stretch.
Washington has seemed to find his place in this offense, even with the plethora of receivers the Steelers have accumulated during the past three seasons. He is off to a good start this year with his #1 QB at the helm. He has 17 receptions for 185 yards and 2 touchdowns on the year, most notably this past week against the Cleveland Browns against their #1 cornerback, Denzel Ward. Washington is the target that you go to on the tough conversion plays where tough yards are needed, but he can also beat you in the long game and burn a corner down field with his route running ability. I have to give it to him, James Washington has shown improvement each year he has been in the league. Ben Roethlisberger seems to be sharing the wealth this year to every one of his receivers that hit the field. Playing mistake free football and getting the ball out quick out of his hands. It could mean more production from James Washington then expected once again.
How would you grade James Washington's first 3 seasons? Comment below!
#SteelerNation
