Just before midnight Central Time on Monday, October 7, Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster shared a message with his followers after KC’s 26-13 victory over the New Orleans Saints.
“Unc Still Got it Mane,” Smith-Schuster posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, accompanied by two pictures and a video highlighting his performance in Week 5.
JuJu Smith-Schuster Returns to Familiar Role Against the Saints
Smith-Schuster led the Chiefs with 130 receiving yards on seven catches during Monday Night Football against New Orleans. His standout moment came on a 2nd-and-6 play early in the fourth quarter when quarterback Patrick Mahomes found him over the middle.
Smith-Schuster took the pass 50 yards, bringing the Chiefs into the Saints’ red zone.
His night could have been even more impressive if he hadn’t mishandled a pass that ended up in the hands of Saints defensive tackle Khalen Saunders, who intercepted Mahomes in the end zone and returned it 37 yards in the third quarter.
Although he’s a bit older now, the Chiefs used Smith-Schuster in the same role he excelled in during the 2022 season when he accumulated 933 receiving yards. That role had been filled by Rashee Rice during the 2023 season after Smith-Schuster departed to join the New England Patriots in the offseason.
Cut by the Patriots this summer due to injuries that hampered his productivity, Smith-Schuster may not have the same explosiveness from his first stint with the Chiefs.
However, his Week 5 performance showed he still has plenty left and can serve as a reliable short-term option as Kansas City continues to evaluate its receiver options.
JuJu Smith-Schuster Highlights Team Effort
Speaking to the media after the Week 5 victory, Smith-Schuster emphasized that his 130-yard game was a result of a collective effort against a tough Saints defense.
“First, I have to give credit to the man above. Without Him and my faith, He’s been guiding me through all this,” Smith-Schuster said. “Coming back here, to a place I know well, and playing with a great quarterback — I’ve had good chemistry in the past under Andy Reid. From my tight ends to the o-line, running backs, and receivers, this is a team sport, and it takes all 11 guys to make one play work.”
Smith-Schuster also made sure to acknowledge fellow receiver Justin Watson, who he said contributes in many unseen ways. Watson played the most snaps of any receiver in Week 6 (59) but was not targeted during the game.
“Someone I’d really like to spotlight, who many don’t recognize, is Justin Watson,” Smith-Schuster said. “He’s a great guy who’s been here a while. When I first arrived, he was the one I leaned on the most. Now that I’m back, it’s nice to see him again. He’s a great leader. Don’t just give credit to me; he’s a big part of what helps make things happen.”
