1. Ben is throwing to the open man. DJ is usually that guy who is open on the quick hitting throws to the outside when those plays are called. His yards of separation per route run leads this team by a comfortable margin.
2. Posting in the game thread will neither increase the probability that Claypool or JuJu gets the ball more often nor impact the game in any other way. Funny thing, often we talk about who was open as if that is a static observation devoid of factors like: "were they open when the ball was thrown?" or "Did the QB have enough time to see them breaking open or was there pressure coming that made him choose the best available option while under duress". Just because you see it on your big screen doesn't mean Ben had the time or opportunity to see it himself. Also understand that the game plan may have called for chipping away at a particular CBs confidence a little at a time until you leave him shell shocked by his inability to stop what you're doing.
3. Actually, it's JuJu and sometimes Chase that work the short zone in this offense. Pretty smart as they are bigger, tougher receivers who could more easily absorb the hits that come in that territory. You're confusing Johnson with AB's tendencies. Johnson works best on the sideline routes; short and quick, intermediate and lately he's been running some very good deep routes. But usually they get him the ball on the outside, in space, where he can use his agility and quickness to gain yards after the catch.
4. Possibly because no one has actually been able to cover Johnson on that pass? If folks can't stop what you're doing, why change for the sake of change?
5. We've seen that happen. In those situations, JuJu has had a great game. Or Chase has had a great game. Ebron is utilized more. You'd hope your QB, after 17 years in the league, could recognize the coverage and react accordingly. So far, Ben has.
Look, I get it. Teams have to be prepared to make adjustments to what they're doing when other teams start to take those things away. So far, no one has taken away what the Steelers do best. That's because Ben has been very versatile with where he's throwing the ball. That's based on his seeing who is open, the timing of the play, etc. They're playing good ball. You don't **** with it.
btw: Signed up to be a contributor using the $8/month automatic billing option a couple of days ago. Just waiting for my badge and perks. $8/month. Not a bad deal.