JuJu Smith-Schuster steps up, goes off against former team

After a disappointing start with the Patriots, JuJu Smith-Schuster was clearly pumped to play against his former Steelers team.

After signing a three-year, $30 million contract, the veteran receiver has had a slow start with the Patriots. Finally, in a Week 14 win over his former team, Smith-Schuster broke out and helped the Patriots to a much-needed win.

On Thursday, Smith-Schuster had his best game of the 2023 season with four catches for 90 yards. Afterward, he said it was special to return to the place where he was drafted and find success.

“It means a lot,” Smith-Schuster said. “Honestly, started my career here and coming back here and getting a ‘W.’ Love being on this side of the ball, I’ll tell you that.”

On the first drive, Smith-Schuster hauled in a 37-yard pass from Zappe in double coverage. That marked his longest catch of the season and brought the Patriots to the 26-yard line. That helped set up Ezekiel Elliott’s first touchdown. He also caught a 17-yard pass later in the first quarter.

“I think that first catch kind of set the tone for our offense on our first drive,” Smith-Schuster said.

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In the first quarter, Smith-Schuster caught two passes for 54 yards. That beat his season-high of 51 yards against Washington. By the second half, Smith-Schuster had 82 yards. The wide receiver had 81 yards in his previous four games combined.

Smith-Schuster’s efforts were huge to get the Patriots rolling in the first half.

In the second quarter, Smith-Schuster did it again. This time, he hauled in a 28-yard deep pass from Zappe. That marked his second-longest catch of the season (behind the one he made in the first quarter). The reception brought the Patriots to the 24-yard line. One play later, Bailey Zappe hit Hunter Henry for the Patriots third score.

“JuJu had some really big plays today,” Elliott said. “Two of the bigger plays of the game. I know it feels good for him to be able to come back and make plays where he was drafted and get a win. I’m super happy for JuJu.”

Smith-Schuster added one more catch for seven yards in the second half. After coming into this game with 170 yards on the season, Smith-Schuster finished with 90 against his former team.

A second-round pick in 2017, Smith-Schuster spent his first five seasons in Pittsburgh. In 2018, he earned Pro Bowl honors after finishing with 111 catches, 1,426 yards and seven touchdowns. After playing in Kansas City last year, Thursday marked the first time Smith-Schuster returned to Pittsburgh since playing for the Steelers in 2021.

“It was cool. It was awesome. I have so much love for the fans,” Smith-Schuster said. “I probably have more Steelers jerseys still than the Patriots. This is a great organization. Mr. Rooney, what he’s done with this organization it’s awesome. It was nice to be back for a little bit.”