The Pittsburgh Steelers will be looking for major production from James Washington and JuJu Smith-Schuster this year, especially after the loss of Le’Veon Bell and Antonio Brown. Washington came into the league last year with tons of buzz, and while he didn’t show much during the season last year, his teammates are expecting huge things from him during the 2019 season.
When asked about Washington’s recent development over the course of his first rookie season, Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster praised the young player.
“Oh, huge,” Smith-Schuster said (via 247 Sports) when asked about the change in Washington. “He’s not jumping every time he goes to catch the ball. He’s running through all of his routes. He’s powerful, strong. His conditioning is up there.”
Washington has reportedly been trying to improve himself throughout the summer in preparation for Steelers training camp. According to him, he’s lost 15 pounds since the end of last season, which can only help him in the speed department.
“You see the work that he’s done,” said quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who will now have to create some new chemistry with his young receiver.
Despite coming into the season with a lot of positive buzz, Washington was never able to get it going for the Steelers. He caught just 16 passes for 217 yards and one touch, but did occasionally flash the skills of a great receiver. Now, with Antonio Brown gone, Washington will be given the chance to earn an immense role in the Steelers' offense, and from the looks of it, he seems extremely dedicated to doing so.
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