Steelers' Antonio Brown Becoming a Truly Elite Wide Receiver

There is no more heated debate among NFL fans than the discussion of who is the best at a given position. One position that really gets fans worked up is the position of wide receiver. And the Pittsburgh Steelers are fortunate that they have a dog in this fight in a big way.

When Pittsburgh spent a sixth-round pick on a speedy, undersized wide receiver named Antonio Brown back in 2010, I don't know if anyone expected him to be where he is now. Brown was drafted primarily as a return specialist, with the hope he could work into the passing game at some point.  

"

Antonio Brown = 6th round pick.

— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) September 22, 2014"

However, Brown was clearly one of those players far more NFL-ready than any team (Steelers included) thought. Brown had his first 1,000-yard receiving season in 2011, which was just a taste of what was to come.

Year	Receptions	Yards	AVG	TD
2010	16	167	10.4	0
2011	69	1,108	16.1	2
2012	66	787	11.9	5
2013	110	1,499	13.6	8
2014	22	296	13.5	3

By 2013, Brown was thrust into the role of WR1 for the Steelers, and he responded. And by responded I mean had one of the greatest statistical seasons in the history of the franchise. Brown racked up 110 catches and 1,499 yards in 2013. It was a season for the ages, but Brown was just getting started. For all Brown accomplished in 2013, he is off to an even better start in 2014.

"

Antonio Brown now has at least five receptions and 50 yards in 19 consecutive games tying an #NFL record for #Steelers

— Dale Lolley (@dlolleyor) September 22, 2014"

Grant Halverson/Getty Images

If Brown can maintain his current pace (and he should), he will finish the 2014 season with 1,579 yards and 117 receptions. These numbers are all well and good, but what makes this former sixth-round pick so effective?

It all starts with his willingness to do anything to make the play. Brown will sacrifice his body, run all the routes and make the tough catch. All this is made even better when you consider that Brown is one of the quickest wide receivers in the game. Brown’s ability to work in the open field is among the best in the league.

Another thing that helps Brown’s case is what a great fit he is in the Steelers offense. Brown can carve up defenses in the screen game and then get separation deep, allowing quarterback Ben Roethlisberger to go over the top.

An interesting change to Brown’s role this year has been to line him up on the same side as multiple wide receivers. Brown had been the single wide receiver opposite the bunch to attempt to get single coverage. Now, the Steelers are using him on the other side, where his precise routes and quickness allow him to work through defenses.

Grant Halverson/Getty Images

But, does Brown get enough respect by the league? I would argue that going into this season the answer was a resounding no. Whether it is bias because of Brown’s size or the fact that he doesn’t ring the bell enough for ESPN and the highlight reels, Brown is always viewed outside of the truly elite at wide receiver.

After Sunday night’s performance, it seems that some minds are being changed. A quick search of Twitter yielded some interesting tweets.

"

Consider this your weekly tweet that Antonio Brown is a top-five wide receiver.

— Football Perspective (@fbgchase) September 22, 2014"

"

Time to stop excluding Antonio Brown from the top WRs convo. Dude is money as hayl #soisBen

— Steve Wyche (@wyche89) September 22, 2014"

"

Antonio Brown is my favorite WR in the leauge. I'd take him over almost anyone other than Calvin

— Mike Loyko (@NEPD_Loyko) September 22, 2014"

"

Antonio Brown is the best route-runner in the NFL. Showing amazing body control + concentration there too.

— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) September 22, 2014"

It appears that the rest of the league recognizes that just because Brown isn’t as tall as Calvin Johnson, he can still dominate a game. Pittsburgh seems to have found its answers in the run game, which can only mean good things for Brown. He’s going to see fewer deep safeties that will allow him a much deeper route progression.

It is time for the league to stop sleeping on Brown.