The Beginning of the Antonio Brown era in Pittsburgh

June 27, 2013 by Tyler Jeski



The Pittsburgh Steelers have had many great wide receivers come and go throughout the history of their franchise. John Stallworth, Lynn Swann, and Hines Ward are just a few of the greats that have caught the ball for the black and gold. This year the Steelers are going into the season without the receiver who led the team in yards the past two seasons, but it opens the door for someone else to step in and make the most of the opportunity.

Antonio Brown has now become the prime target for quarterback Ben Roethlisberger with the departure of deep threat Mike Wallace. In the past two seasons as the number two, Antonio Brown has not disappointed “Steeler Nation.” Last year Brown recorded more than 700 yards receiving to go with 5 touchdowns in 13 games. The year before that he totaled over 1,000 yards receiving en route to breaking the franchise record for most total yards in a season with more than 2,200 yards.

Brown is a threat in all facets of the offensive game due to his blazing speed and his willingness to run into the middle of defenses. What sets Brown apart from most receivers like him is that he is not afraid to take a hit. This year Brown is going to see more double teams and a defenses putting more focus on him, but I don’t see that affecting him at all. Brown is a good route runner who has the ability to beat man coverages and the smarts to find the holes in zones. Brown and Roethlisberger have already proven that they can play well together and have success.

I predict that Brown will have another season like his 2011 campaign with over a thousand yards receiving and will make “Steeler Nation” forget all about Mike Wallace.

[URL]http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/the_beginning_of_the_antonio_brown_era_in_pittsbur gh/13928767[/URL]