Steelers' Fans: Antonio Brown? (1 Viewer)

[PaperBagHead]

Can anyone who saw the Pitt-Baltimore fiasco tell me what happened with Antonio Brown?

He was targeted 9 times, but only hauled in 2 catches. I know Big Ben was harassed all day, so maybe some of those balls were batted down or terribly off target? Or did Brown develop hands of stone?

I like the dynasty potential of both him and Sanders, but missing out on 7 potential catches is troubling.



What happened?

 

[lazyike]

Can anyone who saw the Pitt-Baltimore fiasco tell me what happened with Antonio Brown? He was targeted 9 times, but only hauled in 2 catches. I know Big Ben was harassed all day, so maybe some of those balls were batted down or terribly off target? Or did Brown develop hands of stone?I like the dynasty potential of both him and Sanders, but missing out on 7 potential catches is troubling. What happened?'

"Passes were getting tipped and Big Ben's most accuate passes were to the Raven defenders" said one Big Ben owner.

 

[Godsbrother]

Ben wasn't sharp but one of the knocks on Brown is that he needs to improve his route running. Without knowing the plays called it is difficult to know who to put the blame on but I think both were likely at fault.

It was week 1 against an amped up defense so I expect things to get better. The real issue for Brown owners is that Ben has so many targets it is going to be hard to count on him.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

I would be happy with 9 targets most weeks as that should be at least 4-5 catches if not more. Off week for the Steelers.

 

[Godsbrother]

The other thing to consider is that the Steelers were playing from behind the entire game and were into a lot of 4 WR sets. Assuming the Ravens game was a one week aberration I would not expect them to be using 4 WR formations quite as much as last week which could mean a little less time on the field for Brown.

 

[eaglesfan7]

He was targeted more than Emmanuel Sanders but less than Hines Ward, like expected. Ben was rushed at the line every play and didn't have his usual time to pass the ball. Brown also could have made better plays a couple of times but he wasn't horrible. They should bounce back next week. Some owners may try to 'buy low' from you but I would stand pat and hope he bounces back.

 

[yoadrian]

I wouldn't give up on Brown yet, I also wouldn't rate those 9 targets that highly except that a couple of those targets were deep into the end zone FWIW. Did see Brown out there a lot, they did a lot of shotgun 4 WR sets. That may change however with all the pressure Ben saw last week..

 

[LittlePhatty]

link

"Brown continues having difficulty running precise routes...

Roethlisberger admitted that Brown is 'often turning the wrong way or is out of position when the ball is thrown.'"

Not a good sign. He could improve as the season goes on, but I also remember that last year it took Sanders until around Week 10 to put up any FF-relevant stats. I was on board the Brown Hype Train in pre-season, but now I think it is a long shot that he out-produces Sanders this year.

 

[The Hank]

link

"Brown continues having difficulty running precise routes...

Roethlisberger admitted that Brown is 'often turning the wrong way or is out of position when the ball is thrown.'"

Not a good sign. He could improve as the season goes on, but I also remember that last year it took Sanders until around Week 10 to put up any FF-relevant stats. I was on board the Brown Hype Train in pre-season, but now I think it is a long shot that he out-produces Sanders this year.

This is the reason that Sanders is #3 and Brown is #4.Arians/Ben has long said that Sanders is the much better route runner of the 2, in fact last year the coaching was staff was shocked how quickly Sanders picked up Arians complex offense.

 

[glong989]

Stole this from Sabertooth on the thread discussing who will be the #3 WR in Pitt.

EMMANUEL SANDERS 5'11" 180 lbs1st target - Sanders was lined up left with Brown. Wallace and Hines to the right side. Tight end blocking. Out of the gun, Sanders appeared to be first read on the inside slant. Bang-bang play tackled quickly after catch.2nd target - On the touchdown that was classic Big Ben where he broke outside the pocket and approached the goalline. Sanders' guy broke off but to his credit he kept playing ball and got wide open.3rd target - The "target" (8:11 of second) was not even really a target. Busted TE screen where Sanders was the nearest guy on a throwaway that was almost picked. Target states DEEP Right, when in fact it was really nothing.Antonio Brown 5'10" 186 lbsNothing in the first quarter.1st target - First target was at designed screen catch of -1 at the 8:05 mark of the second quarter. Playcall designed to get the ball in his hands. Tackled immediately.2nd target - Third and 11, be hit him after holding the ball a while. Ball hit his hands beyond the first down marker. He should have caught this ball for an easy first. Good throw.3rd target - Way overthrown. Split left again with Sanders I think.4th target - Brown was open, announcers speculate it may have slipped out of Ben's hand.5th target - Very next play. Pressure on Ben, threw moving backwards and it hit the turf 2 yards short of our hero.6th target - Three wide with a tight end. Nice bullet inside to Brown. 15 yard gain.7th target - 4 wide set. Ben just missed him about 16 yards down field.8th target - Group set right with only Brown to the left. He appeared to be Ben's only choice as he stared him down in the end zone and threw it out of bounds. Brown caught it on the far side of the sideline stripe.9th target - Looked like the same play. Ben stared him down again and hit him. This time only inches from being in bounds.

 

[Carolina Hustler]

The other thing to consider is that the Steelers were playing from behind the entire game and were into a lot of 4 WR sets. Assuming the Ravens game was a one week aberration I would not expect them to be using 4 WR formations quite as much as last week which could mean a little less time on the field for Brown.

^ good point..

 

[captbly]

Looks like Brown had a good game, course I had him on the bench. I didnt see the game, but is Ben really looking to this guy now?

Another 9 targets, but caught 7 of them this time.

 

[RavenLunatic]

Looked slick and showed great hands. Very active. I played him because my starters were on bye and Ben's comments to want to play no huddle. AB works very well in a hurry up.

Looks like a easy WR3 with WR2 upside most weeks in PPR. So far the missing TDs are what keep him from being an good WR2.

 

[Sabertooth]

I cut him last week. I should have bumped this thread when I did it. I finally give up on the guy and he goes off. FML.

 

[ScottyDog]

I think it really depends on Hines Ward's availability (bad ankle). When Hines got hurt, Antonio became the #2 and received all those targets. Keep an eye on Hines this week as far as if he is going to play or not vs. the Patriots. If not, I think Antonio will be a great play this week.

Looks like Brown had a good game, course I had him on the bench. I didnt see the game, but is Ben really looking to this guy now?Another 9 targets, but caught 7 of them this time.