Steelers: Can Antonio Brown Match His 2014?

The Steelers Antonio Brown has gotten better each year in his five years in the NFL. His production was an important part of 2014. Can he continue in 2015?

It is impossible to predict when you factor in the potential for injury, etc. However, he has become a critical piece of the current Steeler game plan.

Ben Roethlisberger will supposedly be around until 2019 and Brown’s chemistry with Roethlisberger and comfort with Todd Haley’s game plan was a key factor in 2014. Alongside his raw talent, that is.

Brown’s talent, that rivals Hines Ward (along with the same kind of smile), is a key piece to next season. His stats on Steelers.com are pretty impressive. However, I think that based on his success in 2014, he will be an even bigger target.

I watched a piece where Brown and Le’Veon Bell were getting awards and Merrill Hoge said that Brown was the best of all the WRs when in double coverage. Double coverage! If you think the teams are going to play nice while trying to stop him in 2015, I say think again.

I think the better you are and the tougher you are to cover, the higher the rate of rough tackles you are going to get. Some teams may even be willing to take a penalty for an illegal tackle/hit, if it means Brown is stopped. The potential for injury could spike in 2015.

The back-ups (particularly Bryant and Wheaton) showed promise in 2014. I don’t think the depth at WR is a huge concern, but I do think that the second and third string should get a few more reps with Ben during camps. Now that Brown’s so familiar, it shouldn’t be a big deal.

Can Antonio Brown match or exceed his 2014 numbers? Absolutely he can! Will he? Well, the Magic 8 Ball says it is “cloudy” right now and to check back later.

Nothing is for certain in this league and I hope Brown has a clean and healthy season. However, Todd Haley has to adjust for the teams to come after Brown and try to take him away as a target for Roethlisberger. Everyone’s going to review the 2014 tapes. It’s inevitable.

If the Steelers gameplan with this in mind, they have a chance at letting Ben get the ball to one of his favorite targets. Bell has to be completely recovered and back at his high level of play too. The Steelers need to help Brown get the chance for the receptions/yards/TDs.

I know I can’t wait to see them in action again. The Killer B’s were fun to watch last year and I am hoping for a repeat of that! Here we go Steelers, HERE WE GO!

Next: Will Roethlisberger Retire in 2019?

More from Still Curtain

Home/Steelers News