How would Antonio Brown handle if Juju Smith-Shuster became Ben Roethlisberger’s top target this season and out-produced Brown?
Two weeks into the season, we got our answer and it won’t go over well.
Despite being targeted 17 times and having 9 catches for 67 yards, Brown was visibly unhappy from the second quarter on in the Steelers 42-37 loss to the Chiefs on Sunday afternoon.
Brown went on a tirade early in the fourth quarter on the sidelines as his frustrations were vented towards offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner as Brown got into Fichtner’s face.
Later in the 4th quarter when Ben Roethlisberger scored a rushing touchdown to cut the Chiefs lead to 5, Brown was seen sulking in walking off the field after failing to celebrate with his teammates.
Brown opted not to speak to reporters after the game and left with his agent.
Just AB being AB?
Pretty much.
The Steelers had just hoped this stuff would end after Brown was given a monster contract in February 2017 and the obvious being that Brown would mature into his 30’s.
Don’t bet on that happening.
Brown is who is. — A dominant receiver who is always going to be stats driven. Just wait for the messy divorce between these two sides when Brown is no longer a great player. It won’t be a fun sight for the Steelers organization. —
All of this happened Sunday as Juju Smith-Shuster had a monster day with 13 receptions for 121 yards and 1 touchdown. Jesse James also had a field day against the Chiefs secondary with 5 catches for 138 yards and a TD.
Even if the constant double-teams of Brown are leading to Smith-Schuster becoming Roethlisberger’s top security blanket because of Brown’s presence, it won’t matter to Brown.
If Brown doesn’t get his numbers, win or lose, the star receiver is going to be a problem with his antics.
And the Steelers have to live with it no matter what. They did nothing in the past and nothing is going to change. They’ve let him run wild for years, why would this change anything?.
A bigger concern might be that Brown doesn’t look himself in getting separation beyond 8-10 yards. That continues to be something to watch moving forward.
Is it the calf injury? Is it no Le’Veon Bell whose sheer presence changes how teams attack the Steelers? Is it age? To read this insider news, subscribe to get “Inside Access”!
“You lack discipline” -Detective John Kimble
Package him with Bell.
Such a difference between the team now and the one that was winning super bowls. This organization needs a facelift.