It seems like there’s always a discussion these days when it comes to the NFL and who are the best players at their position. When it comes to wide receivers, it’s bottled down lately to Julio Jones of the Atlanta Falcons and Antonio Brown of the Pittsburgh Steelers. There’s also a smattering of support for Odell Beckham Jr. of the New York Giants. If you go by the numbers as of late, it’s hard to argue against the merits of Brown. He’s totaled at least 100 receptions in four consecutive seasons – tied for the longest such streak in league annals.
Which means that if Brown can haul in another c-note worth of passes, he’ll set a new NFL standard. But you get the sense that’s hardly the thing he’s concentrating on.
Awe-inspiring numbers
In recent years and even with star running back Le’Veon Bell on the team, it’s quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and the passing attack that has gained plenty of attention when it comes to the Pittsburgh Steelers. And Brown is in the midst of a mind-blowing stretch these past four seasons. In his 63 regular-season outings, the explosive performer has hauled in 481 passes, good for 6,315 yards and 43 scores. Brown’s rapport with Roethlisberger is amazing, as is the wideout’s ability to turn a short pass into pay dirt.
Despite the individual accolades, which includes being named All-Pro each of the last three seasons, take a back seat to the team’s goals.
What’s left to do?
“I’m excited to see where we can be,” said Brown earlier this month to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “I know what we’re capable of, but we still got to go out and prove it.
I’m excited to be a part of it and excited for the process to get started.” The Pittsburgh Steelers have won the AFC North twice in the last three seasons and have reached the playoffs each of the past three years. But they haven’t been to the Super Bowl since 2010. That resulted in a tough 31-25 loss to the Green Bay Packers.
That was also Brown’s rookie campaign and those days he played behind the likes of Hines Ward and Mike Wallace.
Now the seven-year pro and former sixth-round pick is the clear leader of the wide receiving corps. He’s also arguably the best player at his position in the league. And as you can see, he plans on getting even better as the Steelers look to overcome that large object ahead of them in the New England Patriots. It won’t be easy. But it won’t be for a lack of trying when it comes to one of the most talented offensive players in the NFL.