Steelers News: What are some realistic expectations for JuJu Smith-Schuster in 2019?

With all of the Steelers’ 2019 offseason workouts in the rear view mirror, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ fan base has to suffer through the dog days of summer until the boys of fall return to the gridon. In the meantime, don’t think the news surrounding the black-and-gold is over. As the team disperses for the summer, we continue to provide you with features, commentary and opinions to tide you over until training camp!

Today in the black-and-gold links article we take a look at some realistic expectations for JuJu Smith-Schuster heading into his third year in the NFL, and first as the WR1 on the Steelers’ roster.

Let’s get to the news:

• JuJu Smith-Schuster claims he is more than ready to take over as the No. 1 wide receiver for the Steelers in 2019, but what are some realistic expectations for the former USC wideout in his third season?

Analysis: A fair Year 3 goal (line) for JuJu

By: Dale Lolley, DKPittsburghSports

There has long been a theory in NFL fantasy football circles that year three for wide receivers is a magical one, when things finally come together and their talent matches up with their knowledge of the game.

It obviously doesn’t go that way for every receiver. But typically if a receiver has a breakout year, it comes in that third season.

His breakout year came in just his second season and at the age of 21 -- at least for most of the season. And he did it while sharing time with Antonio Brown.

Now, with Brown to the Raiders, Smith-Schuster will be a true No. 1 receiver at the ripe young age of 22. Sure, he’ll get more attention from opposing teams. But he’ll also get more targets from Ben Roethlisberger, as well.

To read the full article, click HERE (Free)

• Is the JuJu Smith-Schuster vs. Denzel Ward one-on-one matchup a heavyweight bout ready to go down?

Carter’s Classroom: JuJu vs. Browns’ Ward next big thing

By: Chris Carter, DKPittsburghSports

Everyone knows there’s a lot riding on how JuJu Smith-Schuster steps into his role as the Steelers’ top receiver and faces every team’s top cornerback. I’ve written a lot about why he’s ready and what factors will best benefit his 2019 campaign, but we need to talk about some of the better cornerbacks he’ll face.

One of the younger emerging stars that he will face off with in key divisional games over the next several years is Denzel Ward from the Browns. Ward was the fourth overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft and burst onto the NFL scene with two interceptions of Ben Roethlisberger in the opening game last season, finishing the year with three interceptions, 11 passes defended and one forced fumble.

Ward lined up against Antonio Brown almost exclusively in both matchups last season, so it’s safe to assume that Smith-Schuster will receive his full attention in 2019:

To read the full article, click HERE ($$)

• If you are a Steelers fan that travels, or are going to see the black-and-gold on the road, there are some Steelers Nation Unite parties you may want to attend.

Steelers Nation Unite announces 2019 events

By: Steelers Staff, Steelers.com

All Steelers Nation Unite events feature appearances by Steelers Legends, prize giveaways, Q&A sessions, music, games, photos and more. Below is a list of the dates and locations where fans can connect with the team on the road this year.

Week 3: Saturday, 9/21 – Road Warrior Block Party at San Pedro Square Market in San Jose, CA

Week 6: Saturday, 10/12 – Road Warrior Block Party at Tom’s Urban in Los Angeles, CA

Week 14: Saturday, 12/7 – Road Warrior Block Party at Harold’s Cave Creek Corral in Cave Creek, AZ

Steelers Nation Unite events are free and open to fans of all ages, and admission is on a first-come, first-served basis. Times for these Road Warrior Block Parties will be announced in the coming weeks.

To read the full article, click HERE (Free)

• Antonio Brown apologizes...for throwing furniture off his home in Florida’s balcony.

Antonio Brown apologizes for furniture throwing incident, says charity donations made in settlement

By: Chris Crabtree, ProFootballTalk

A lawsuit against Oakland Raiders wide receiver Antonio Brown over furniture throwing from a balcony was reportedly settled back in April. Brown posted a statement to his Twitter account Monday night apologizing for the “incident” and said an undisclosed amount had been donated to charity as a part of the settlement.

“The legal dispute between Ophir Sternberg and me has been resolved, with a confidential sum of funds being donated to charity,” Brown wrote. “I am sorry that an incident occurred. I apologize for any statements we made in court filings or otherwise to Mr. Sternberg and family. I with Mr. Sternberg my best with regard to future endeavors and through this settlement, seek to make amends with Mr. Sternberg and family.”

To read the full article, click HERE (Free)

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