In a season all but lost at this point, the Pittsburgh Steelers played for pride on Sunday night against the Bengals and didn’t disappoint. Through all of the ups and downs, there has been one player who continues to silence critics. While Big Ben continues to have a stellar season amongst all the rumors, Antonio Brown has been the MVP of this team and should be considered in the talk for MVP of the league.
Heading into training camp and during the preseason, there was a pressing concern of who was going to fill the void of Mike Wallace. In 2012, the Pittsburgh Steelers extended Brown, giving him a five-year contract and letting Wallace walk. In a season where many have questioned the Steelers’ decision making throughout the year, Brown has been a slam dunk for this organization.
The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Brown 195th overall in the 6th round of the 2010 NFL draft. Entering his fourth season, Brown continues to be electric, and at this rate, will need to be added to the five best draft selections in Steelers’ history. In 2011, Brown became the first player in NFL history to have more than 1,000 yards receiving and returning in the same year. In return, Brown was voted the Steelers most valuable player. Fast forward to present day, No. 84 is having another very productive season for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Before the game against the Bengals this past Sunday night, Brown had 90 receptions for 1,241 yards and seven touchdowns. He’s had four games with at least 100 receiving yards and is the only player this season with at least five receptions in every game. On Sunday night against the Bengals, Brown had five catches for 66 yards and a touchdown, while also adding a 67-yard punt return for a touchdown.
When you look at what Brown has meant to the Steelers to this point in 2013, it’s hard not to at least mention his name when discussing NFL Most Valuable Player candidates. Brown ranks second in the NFL in receptions with 95, ranks third in receiving yards, yards per game and is ranked fourth in all purpose yards.
The reality is that while Brown might receive votes, he will not win the league’s MVP. Name recognition such as Manning Megatron, and Brees will overshadow a 25-year-old receiver in his fourth season. Team record will also play a factor in this decision, even though it shouldn’t, it will. That being said, nobody can diminish his numbers and effort in 2013 as Brown has more than proven he is a top receiver in the NFL.
