The problems with the Steelers' receivers hasn't been how they open up passing windows for Mason Rudolph with sharp routes. It's been mistakes in the wrong moments that have limited the Steelers' passing game on top of the Rudolph's growing pains.
But those problems don't come from systemic issues that can't be resolved by natural growth from a very young receiving corps. Let's break down some examples:
Both JuJu Smith-Schuster and Diontae Johnson had drops early in the game. It was also both of their drops were their second of the season. Each of their drops have come in moments where they have run solid routes to get open and Rudolph has delivered catchable passes.
Johnson's came on a deep in route that cornerback Troy Hill stayed backed off from. Eric Weddle was playing an inside zone and Johnson's cut was sharp enough to stay underneath both defensive backs. But he doesn't snag the pass:
Johnson's biggest mistakes have been occasional and rooted in traits that typically happen in young receivers. They're also something that often gets ironed out of a receivers' game as they get more comfortable playing at NFL speed and improving the other aspects of their game.
Johnson is already well ahead of the standard for rookie receivers when it comes to route running. According to NextGenStats from NFL.com, Johnson averages about 3.4 yards of separation during his targets, which is the eighth best of any NFL receiver in 2019.
Watch how Johnson works to get into his route. His quick burst to accelerate upfield forces Hill to honor his initial cut inside. Because Hill is working hard enough to cover the first move, he loses track of Johnson when he reverses towards the sideline, resulting in a 30-yard completion:
Johnson even got the best of Jalen Ramsey on a crossing pattern when he beat Ramsey to the spot, anticipated the hand extension from Ramsey and slapped it down to clear his path. That led to Ramsey making a desperate play to trip up Johnson, drawing the pass interference and saving the Steelers from an untimely interception:
Most young wide receivers win their battles with pure speed or jump balls that flash athleticism over technique. Each of the Steelers' young receivers have shown those types of skills as none of them are speed demons like D.K. Metcalf or Mecole Hardman.
James Washington came through over the past two games, catching ten passes on eleven targets for 159 yards and a touchdown. But his biggest mistake came on his fumble after a long catch and run. But Washington did have the points covered when the ball was punched out.
Nikkel Robey-Coleman comes through with a strong punch through Washington's grip to force the fumble. But notice how the ball is in Washington's non-sideline hand, a common mistake among young players that coaches often address:
Washington is stepping up his game, but we've seen how a well-timed punch can force a rough fumble for receivers like Marlon Humphrey did to Smith-Schuster. Both Washington and Smith-Schuster's fumbles share a similarity in that the points were covered and the ball was being held in the right position, but their grips weren't tight enough.
In time, both young receivers can learn to improve from those mistakes. That's part of a natural growth pattern of NFL players, and what will be telling is how they continue to respond to those mistakes. Whether they continue to allow these problems will show either resilience or complacency.
But more positive signs include how Smith-Schuster has made strides to win battles against various cornerbacks. He did that to Jalen Ramsey, the best cornerback in the NFL, to catch three passes for 44 yards and draw a defensive pass interference penalty.
One of the more impressive moments for Smith-Schuster was his 20-yard reception on a comeback route. A huge part of Ramsey's game is how he likes to get physical with his hands and talk trash to frustrate and get inside receivers' heads. He tried to hand-fight Smith-Schuster on his route to throw off the timing, but JuJu counters him with his own solid hand play to create separation for Rudolph's throw:
The fact that Smith-Schuster didn't let Ramsey get to him and kept finding ways to get open is encouraging that he and the other young receivers will continue to improve. But the reality is that Smith-Schuster, Washington and Johnson are all 23 years old and are either ahead of the curve, or right at expectations for being second and third round picks.
Nothing about their tapes indicate their mistakes are systemic or unfixable. But that won't excuse further mistakes as they go through their own growing pains.
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