Controversy be damned, Antonio Brown’s tenure with the Pittsburgh Steelers from 2013 to 2018 represents a golden era of Wide Receiver play. During this six-year stretch, Brown solidified his reputation as the best wide receiver in football, and went from a sixth round pick, to one of the most interesting, and dynamic, offensive players of all-time.
This period was marked by extraordinary accomplishments, including arguably the best stretch of seasons a wide receiver in the NFL has ever had. His unique connection with Hall of Fame Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger during this run left fans with their jaws on the ground plenty of times, and many memories.
Overall Performance
From 2013 to 2018, Brown’s consistency and excellence were evident in his impressive statistics each season. In 2013, he made 110 receptions for 1,499 yards, and by 2014, he increased this to 129 receptions for 1,698 yards. His peak came in 2015, with an extraordinary 136 receptions for 1,834 yards. Throughout these years, Brown maintained a streak of 100+ receptions, the longest such streak in NFL history.
Antonio Brown’s performance’s place him in the elite circle of NFL receivers. By the end of his first nine seasons, he had amassed 837 receptions, the second-most in NFL history during such a timeframe. His rapid accumulation of 11,000 receiving yards in just 129 games is also the second-fastest in the league’s history. Forget the ugly headlines in the news, because in the grand scheme of things, he was an amazing football player.
2017 Season
Brown’s ability to perform in crucial moments is highlighted by numerous memorable games. Go down the 2017 schedule alone. The game-winning plays were almost inevitable, and he was the main catalyst offensively. The Steelers went 13-3. His elite route-running, exceptional hands, and ability to make difficult catches and gain significant yards after the catch was unparalleled. For instance, in Week 11 against the Green Bay Packers, Brown caught 10 passes for 169 yards and two touchdowns; including a game-winning catch that set up the game-winning field goal.
Through his record-breaking six-year span with the Steelers, Antonio Brown made us quickly forget the departures of Mike Wallace and Emmanuel Sanders. Once AB let everyone know he was him, he often drew double coverage, creating opportunities for his teammates. This was evident in the performances of fellow wideouts JuJu Smith-Schuster and Martavis Bryant. Particularly Smith-Schuster, who benefited enormously. He recorded 917 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in his rookie campaign. Brown’s ability to draw defenders away allowed other players to exploit mismatches, making the Steelers’ offense more potent than anytime in team history.
Antonio Brown on Big Ben being the reason he started for the Steelers:
— Matthew Luciow (@matthewluciow92) June 18, 2024
"Ben Roethlisberger the only reason I even started starting for the Steelers. Literally he had to go tell Bruce Arians like yo I need AB at the X. Let me have him run these plays."#steelers
🎥@thepivot pic.twitter.com/wAXhrNJHl2
Want to feel old? Antonio Brown (@ab84) turns 36 today. Here's some plays from 2018. Happy birthday, AB. 🎂 #Steelers #NFL pic.twitter.com/es9hUsA8SY
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) July 10, 2024
Ben Roethlisberger’s Influence
Antonio Brown’s synergy with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was the cornerstone of his success. Roethlisberger’s advocacy for Brown’s increased involvement in the game, especially during the 2011 season, was crucial. He intervened with then-coach Bruce Arians to ensure Brown got more playing time, which significantly boosted Brown’s career. Their on-field chemistry was evident, as they created some of the most memorable moments in NFL history. Despite media speculation about their relationship, Brown has expressed deep respect and gratitude towards Roethlisberger, acknowledging his role in his development as a top receiver.
Comparative Analysis with NFL Greats
Antonio Brown’s career statistics are often compared with those of other NFL luminaries to highlight his place among the greats. Here’s a peak at Brown’s performance alongside Hall-of-Famers Randy Moss, Jerry Rice, and Calvin Johnson, providing a clearer perspective on his achievements.
Statistic | Antonio Brown | Randy Moss | Jerry Rice | Calvin Johnson |
Total Receptions | 928 | 982 | 1,549 | 731 |
Receiving Yards | 12,291 | 15,292 | 22,895 | 11,619 |
Receiving Touchdowns | 83 | 156 | 197 | 83 |
Yards per Game | 84.2 | 70.1 | 75.6 | 86.1 |
Years Active | 2010-2021 | 1998-2012 | 1985-2004 | 2007-2015 |
When it was all said and done, AB finished with 928 receptions, over 12k yards, and 83 TD’s over 146 games. He also averaged 84.2 yards per game, which amongst these four only falls behind Calvin Johnson. This generational six year stretch is what allows him to be talked about alongside the greats.
Jerry Rice
Jerry Rice, the “GOAT”, played 303 games, amassing 1,549 receptions for 22,895 yards. Rice’s career average of 14.8 yards per reception and his staggering 197 receiving touchdowns set a high benchmark in NFL history. Jerry Rice’s records are a testament to his longevity and consistent performance over 20 seasons. Antonio Brown’s stats are impressive in comparison, given his much shorter career span.
Randy Moss
Randy Moss, known for his explosive playmaking ability, recorded 982 receptions and 15,292 receiving yards in 218 games. His average of 15.6 yards per catch and 156 total touchdowns showcases his impact as a deep-threat receiver. Comparatively, Brown’s career includes 83 touchdowns with an average of 13.2 yards per reception, highlighting his role as a versatile and consistent target.
Calvin Johnson
“Megatron,” was a dominant force. A totally different archetype than AB, known for his size and speed. Over 135 games, Johnson secured 731 receptions for 11,619 yards. His average of 86.1 receiving yards per game closely aligns with Brown’s, though Johnson’s physical play style brought a different dimension to his game statistics.
Hall of Fame
This comparative analysis underscores Antonio Brown’s significant level of play amongst the greats. Picking the best of the previous eras, he can pull up a chair amongst these NFL greats. His consistency and ability over these six seasons affirmed his status in NFL history. The Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Bucs later on in his career doesn’t hurt either.
Reflecting on Antonio Brown’s exceptional stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers, it is undeniable that his era from 2013 to 2018 profoundly impacted the franchise. It really is a shame how it ended, and no Super Bowls to show for it. Although discouraging, the remarkable journey, characterized by record-breaking performances, an illustrious partnership with Ben Roethlisberger was truly a pleasure to watch. Now officially retired, the next football debate in AB’s life will be whether he gets voted into the Hall of Fame, or if his off field antics will delay his enshrinement.
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