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Receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster scored his first career touchdown Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings.
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Post-Gazette stock watch: JuJu Smith-Schuster channels Hines Ward, James Harrison dropping off radar

Don Wright/Associated Press

Post-Gazette stock watch: JuJu Smith-Schuster channels Hines Ward, James Harrison dropping off radar

Welcome to the Post-Gazette stock watch, a weekly look at who’s up and who’s down in the local sports scene. This week, a Steelers rookie hits like a veteran, and Pitt’s coach raises more questions than he answers.

Three up

JuJu Smith-Schuster, Steelers WR — The rookie has been about as exciting as any receiver with 16 receiving yards in his career can be. He racked up his first three NFL receptions in the Steelers’ 26-9 victory Sunday, taking the first one four yards for his first touchdown. Later, he delivered this vicious block on a run by teammate Le’Veon Bell. 

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Obviously he still has a lot of room to grow, but as the youngest player in the league, it’s encouraging that he’s already showing signs of being a complete package in the mold of one Hines Ward. 

Ben Roethlisberger hands off to Le'Veon Bell on Sunday at Heinz Field.
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Ben Roethlisberger says offense will improve, even if it doesn't meet expectations

Tommy Stevens, Penn State QB — Trace McSorley’s backup was on the receiving end of this touchdown Saturday against Georgia State. 

He added a touchdown pass to Saeed Blacknall later in the proceedings to give himself the hat trick of passing, receiving and rushing scores this season. He is morphing into a latter-day Michael Robinson for Penn State, a guy who may one day be a dangerous dual-threat as the starting quarterback but can also be a potent weapon all over the field in the mean time.

Anthony Chickillo, Steelers LB — When T.J. Watt went down with a groin injury against the Vikings, it was the third-year man from Miami and not veteran James Harrison who got the call. He delivered, too, finishing with four tackles and a quarterback hurry. This speaks well not only of his own ability to contribute when called upon but of the Steelers ability to cultivate the depth of solid pass rushers that has eluded them for years. 

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Three down

Pat Narduzzi, Pitt football coach — Many of the Panthers’ problems are results of their relative inexperience. The quarterback controversy, however, appears to be the result of a coach lacking a clear vision. Max Browne and Ben DiNucci have plainly different skill sets. The fact that Narduzzi can’t seem to decide which one better fits his offense calls into question whether he knows what his offense should look like at all. 

Neal Huntington, Pirates general manager — He defended the Francisco Liriano trade in which the team acquired starter Drew Hutchison and salary relief from the Toronto Blue Jays by saying:

Now Hutchison is likely on his way out of the organization having thrown a little over 11 innings in a Pirates uniform while prospect Reese McGuire, who was part the package the Blue Jays received, has wrapped up a fine season in the minors. Huntington has a tough job, but high-profile flameouts like these are a reason the club faces a trust deficit in the fan base. 

A.J. Schugel has become a consistent piece of the Pirates bullpen.
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A.J. Schugel emerging as a bright spot in the Pirates bullpen

James Harrison, Steelers LB — Chickillo’s success has come at the 39-year-old’s expense, and it’s hard not to wonder at this point what his future holds here. The Post-Gazette’s Ray Fittipaldo speculates that the Steelers were simply riding the proverbial hot hand in using Chickillo on Sunday, but it’s also possible that Chickillo is simply maturing into a better player than what’s left of Harrison. It’s a long season, and the Steelers may be happy to have a healthy, well-rested Harrison around when the weather chills and attrition begins to take its toll on the roster. Still, it’s been a stunning descent for the team’s all-time sack leader, who was starting in playoff games less than a year ago.

Adam Bittner: abittner@post-gazette.com and Twitter @fugimaster24.

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First Published: September 19, 2017, 2:09 p.m.

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