Devin Bush dialed it to 11 after he strapped on the black and gold.
Through six games, Bush has registered 52 tackles (32 solo), two interceptions, four fumble recoveries, three tackles for a loss, three passes defended, a sack and a defensive touchdown.
His instant contributions are no accident. Bush was well aware of the challenge ahead from Day 1, and he's hit a new level of preparation as a result. That starts with protecting his body and adjusting to the physical demands at the NFL level.
"I feel good, man," Bush was telling me at the Rooney Complex ahead of the Steelers' Week 8 Monday Night Football matchup vs. the Dolphins. "Just staying on top of [my body] as much as I can, getting as much treatment as I can and making sure I'm sleeping and eating right."
That's half the battle — and Bush has already taken his lumps, missing a handful of snaps against the Chargers with an ankle injury in Week 6. He received treatment and came back to finish the game, however, so that injury appears behind him heading into the contest versus the Dolphins.
The second layer of the challenge, then, is mental. Bush has never dealt with a bye week. He plays on Sundays (or Mondays) instead of Saturdays now. Plus, he's just a year removed from college, so does he still have time to follow his alma mater, Michigan?
"Yeah, of course. Of course," Bush said. "It kind of gets my mind right to play the game, watching people you played with, watching the team and getting ready for your game to do it all over again."
That's where the sports-for-pleasure ends, though. Besides Michigan and some casual NFL throughout the week, Bush elects to use his time to rest and recover vs. overloading himself with gridiron goodies.
"I zone out," Bush was saying. "I don't really like watching games before games. I got a little regimen, but I don't — during the week, I pay attention to football. I'll watch Monday Night Football or Thursday Night Football, but after that, once it gets like Friday, Saturday, Sunday, I'm not watching any other sport. I'm not watching football. I'm not watching basketball. Nothing. The most I'll watch are some YouTube videos or shows, something like that."
Right now, Bush says he's watching "Narcos" or "whatever will pop up that day." One thing you won't find in his daily rotation, however, is a PlayStation or an Xbox controller.
"I stopped playing video games," Bush said. "I'm so tired. I stopped [when I got to the pros]. I thought I'd play a lot more, but I'm like, 'Bro ... I'll just go get some treatment instead.'"
HUNTER'S VIEW
This is just the latest representation of Bush's work ethic and seriousness shining through. From Day 1 at the Rooney Complex, Bush showcased laser focus and dedication to the playbook, and now he's taking that through the regular season with him.
And just to silence this narrative: Yes, I see how this article can look like a shot at JuJu Smith-Schuster. It's not. At all. Smith-Schuster's been nothing but professional since becoming a Steeler in 2017. He set Steelers rookie receiver records and also led the team in receptions and yards last season playing opposite perennial All-Pro Antonio Brown.
Smith-Schuster certainly plays his games, but it's never at the expense of his game-day preparation. Nothing wrong with that. Bush simply chooses to relax in a different manner. Nothing wrong with that, either.
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