(Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Former Steelers cornerback and two-time Super Bowl champion Ike Taylor was on the "Pat McAfee Show" yesterday and made a statement that shocked McAfee and I'm sure many Steelers fans. McAfee and Tony Digz both grew up in Pittsburgh so they know all about the legacy of Hines Ward.
"The personality of JuJu, he's a Steeler, you know what I'm saying?" Taylor said. "He's very, very, very physical. He's the upgraded version of Hines Ward. He's a very physical receiver. He doesn't mind getting hit. He can block. He can go over the middle."
McAffe was blown away by Taylor's remark that Smith-Schuster was an upgraded version over the franchise's all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards and touchdown receptions. McAfee warned Taylor that his statement will cause some conversations. Taylor clarified further his thoughts.
"As far as athleticism, as far as speed," Taylor said when saying Smith-Schuster is an upgraded version of Ward. "JuJu did a 70, he did an 80-yard. JuJu did a 65-yard. Like JuJu got some long-ass touchdowns, you know what I'm saying?"
When Taylor further explains about Smith-Schuster's big-play abilities, it makes more sense when he says he's an upgraded version of Ward, as No. 86 was never known to be a burner. As far as an overall player, Smith-Schuster has a long way to go to be in the same category as Ward. He only needs 693 more receptions, 8,358 more receiving yards and 60 more touchdown receptions to surpass Ward's all-time records with the Steelers. Ward is also a four-time Pro Bowler, two-time Super Bowl champion and the MVP of Super Bowl XL.