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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 how rookie ILB Devin Bush will have some work to do when it comes to taking on the bigger blockers in the NFL, compared to college.
Let’s get to the news:
- Devin Bush seems to be pretty NFL ready, but the transition won’t come without some growing pains. One of those growing pains would be how he is going to have to get accustomed to taking on bigger NFL blockers.
Classroom: Bush’s learning curve vs. big blockers
By: Chris Carter, DKPittsburghSports
Every rookie has a learning curve once he hits the NFL, even top 10 draft picks like Devin Bush. I’ve gone over why Bush was a top priority in the draft and why he’s the centerpiece for the future of the Steelers’ defense. His upside brings several positives, but there are always elements of a player’s game to polish.
Bush’s area to grow in is working against blockers at the point of attack. It’s a huge part of his game that’ll be tested by NFL rushing offenses.
To read the full article, click HERE ($$)
- Can you believe JuJu Smith-Schuster was surprised he was so recognized when he went to London?
JuJu Smith Schuster surprised to be recognized in London
By: Darin Gantt, ProFootballTalk
Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster was part of the NFL’s outreach event in London this week,
“I was surprised to know how many people know me,” he said, via Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “People come up to me and show love. They’re like, ‘You’re actually here.’ That’s happened like four, five, six times since I’ve been here.”
Smith-Schuster better get used to the attention. With Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell gone, he’s going to become the main target for quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, and carry a much bigger public profile. That is likely fine with the outgoing Smith-Schuster, who enjoyed playing tourist before returning home to get ready for training camp.
To read the full article, click HERE (Free)
- Wonder how Devin Bush is handling being around Ryan Shazier? Think it is awkward? Think again...
Devin Bush: Ryan Shazier’s “like my big brother”
By: Josh Alper, ProFootballTalk
One of the players who is benefitting from Shazier’s mentorship is the guy drafted in hopes of filling much of the hole Shazier left behind on the defense. The Steelers traded up with the Broncos to take Devin Bush in the first round this year and Bush said recently that Shazier has been in his ear throughout his first months with the team.
“We stay in communication on a daily basis,” Bush said during an appearance on WSVN. “That’s like my big brother, honestly. He’s just showing me the ropes, the ins and outs of the NFL and how to be a man.”
The lessons seem to be going well for the rookie. Early reviews of Bush’s work in Pittsburgh have been positive and he’s set to be in a major role when the season gets underway in September.
To read the full article, click HERE (Free)
- Social Media Madness
Chapter III pic.twitter.com/6dRcCNhDhK
— JuJu Smith-Schuster (@TeamJuJu) July 4, 2019
.@TeamJuJu speaks about the #NFLAcademy, 2019 expectations and more.
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) July 3, 2019
: @NFLNetwork pic.twitter.com/qKynhAitQ8
We will host Family Fest at @heinzfield on Sunday, August 4. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and practice begins at 6:30 p.m.
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) July 3, 2019
MORE: https://t.co/b4G0HEPfeE@GP_Protects | #FamilyFest pic.twitter.com/QfLVTcIkPh
Happy #IndependenceDay! pic.twitter.com/q3s3UuhwMK
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) July 4, 2019
David DeCastro days until #SteelersKickoff. pic.twitter.com/WR1JE7ZJh1
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) July 4, 2019