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JuJu Smith-Schuster imitated one of Mike Tomlin’s favorite sayings during a recent media session ahead of Sunday’s playoff game against the Browns. The Smith-Schuster Steelers are looking to take advantage of a Browns team that has been forced to virtually train this week due to their ongoing COVID-19 outbreak.
In addition to borrowing a phrase from his coach, Smith-Schuster also offered virtual scoreboard material for the Browns when asked about Pittsburgh’s next opponent. Specifically, Smith-Schuster was asked if he feels a different energy than the Browns, who would officially end their 18-year playoff drought on Sunday. The Browns, 11-5 in the 2020 regular season, were 0-16 in the Smith-Schuster rookie season.
“No, I think it’s still the same Browns I’ve played every year,” Smith-Schuster said, via ESPN’s Jake Trotter. “I think they’re unnamed gray faces. They’ve got a few good players on their team. But at the end of the day… the Browns are the Browns. It’s AFC North football. are a good team. I’m just happy we are playing them again. ”
The “nameless face” comment comes from Tomlin, who points out to his team that how they play and execute the Pittsburgh game plan is more important than the Steelers opponent. That part of his quote probably won’t bother the Browns, but his reluctance to acknowledge Cleveland’s resurgence since 2017 could ruffle some feathers in Cleveland in the days leading up to kickoff.
Smith-Schuster isn’t even a month before my Tomlin is asked to stop dancing on opponent logos after the Steelers’ three-game losing streak. Members of the Bengals and Bills said they opposed Smith-Schuster’s pre-game actions, with Bengals safety Vonn Bell drilling Smith-Schuster (groping him) early in the thwarted victory of Cincinnati vs. Steelers in Week 15.
Soon to be a free agent, the 24-year-old wide receiver caught 97 passes for 831 yards and nine touchdowns during the regular season. He caught six passes for 65 yards and one score in Pittsburgh’s Week 17 loss to Cleveland.
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