Maybe Steelers fans were wrong about Chase Claypool, JuJu Smith-Schuster

Will Pittsburgh Steelers fans warm up to Chase Claypool as he continues to prove himself and works to overcome his mistakes?

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool is young. He’s made some mistakes. He’s drawn plenty of criticism. But, is there a chance that Claypool is starting to show some maturity? Is it possible that all he needed was some time to focus on how he could improve himself?

The 23-year-old wide receiver caught everyone’s attention and frustrated many in Pittsburgh with some rather interesting antics back in the regular season. Some former members of the Steelers weren’t thrilled with Claypool and let everyone know about it.

But, it sure seems like Claypool might be growing up a bit.

Some Steelers fans have noticed what they perceive to be a change in Claypool and the way he’s played down the stretch of the season. Fans tend to love players who they perceive to be focused on the team and doing the little, fundamental things well. If Claypool does that, and avoids drawing negative attention, people will be infatuated with him and his potential.

Could Chase Claypool be turning a corner and proving himself to Pittsburgh Steelers fans?

Along with Claypool, some Steelers fans have found themselves frustrated with JuJu Smith-Schuster at various moments. Some folks weren’t exactly thrilled when the wide receiver took an unnecessary risk with the milkcrate challenge last summer.

But, Smith-Schuster has been putting his body on the line for the Steelers as well and he’s been doing just about everything possible to return to form as Pittsburgh prepares to head into the playoffs.

If the Steelers are going to find anything that resembles success in the playoffs this year, they’ll need guys like Smith-Schuster and Claypool to take some massive steps forward. It remains to be seen what exactly will happen, but stuff like this has to be encouraging for the folks in Pittsburgh.