Smith-Schuster 'more hungry than ever' after down year
The 2020 NFL season is nearly here, and Pittsburgh Steelers receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster is chomping at the bit.
The previous campaign was a disappointing one for both the team and wideout. The Steelers went 8-8, missing the playoffs for the second straight year, and Smith-Schuster recorded career lows in catches (42), yards (552), and touchdowns (three).
Entering his fourth season, he's using last year's experiences to fuel him.
"It's more so motivation," Smith-Schuster told theScore. "Obviously last year we had some ups and downs with some players being out and I dealt with a major injury that had me out for (four) weeks. But at the end of the day, it is what it is. Going into this season, I'm more hungry than ever. Can't wait to beat my goals and get where I want to get."
Now "100%" healthy following the knee injury that cost him Weeks 12-15 last season, Smith-Schuster is looking forward to reuniting with another teammate who missed a major part of the previous campaign. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger suffered a throwing-arm elbow injury, but he's fully recovered entering his 17th season.
"He's actually surprised a lot of people. His recovery process and for him to come back, he's doing a great job," Smith-Schuster said. "He looks like normal Ben, the first two years I played with Ben. He looks totally fine. I can't wait to just go crazy."
With two of their offensive leaders given a clean bill of health, the Steelers' focus is on a postseason return. After four consecutive playoff appearances from 2014 to 2017, Pittsburgh was one of the last teams eliminated from postseason contention in 2018 and 2019.
"Last year we fell short, we had to win one game out of the two games and (we didn't)," Smith-Schuster said.
"All we have to do is lean in," he added, noting that the club made the playoffs in his first NFL season. "I know what it takes to get there and I'm pretty sure the other guys do, too."
The 23-year-old is aware he's entering a season unlike any other. Training camp was held under a bubble at Heinz Field due to the coronavirus pandemic, and social justice protests continue across America.
Smith-Schuster said talks are ongoing ahead of the Steelers' season opener against the New York Giants on Monday regarding a possible social-justice gesture during the national anthem.
"As of right now, coach (Mike) Tomlin, that's something that he's going to talk to us about, hopefully this Friday," he said. "Leading into Monday Night Football, we're going to be on a big stage and we might do something but that's up to the head coach. We're a team and we're going to be as one. Hopefully, we'll do something to show the world that enough's enough."
Smith-Schuster is much more certain of his plans on the field. Though fans won't be present at Heinz Field for at least the Steelers' first two home games, the exuberant receiver has planned a few touchdown celebrations.
"Just know that I might be in the crowd as an actual fan and somebody might go up to me and we do a little celebration," he said.
All NFL games this season will be available for Canadian fans live across multiple platforms on DAZN.
"You can see me there doing all my celebrations, all my catches, pretty much everything I do to have fun so check it out," Smith-Schuster said.