Ful disclosure, it would have been easy to choose James Conner for a second consecutive week after his dominating performance where the Pitt running back rushed for 214 yards and touchdown Friday night at Boston College.
However, it’s Steeler time, and after a season-opening win at Heinz Field over the Cleveland Browns, we at PSN know where the priorities lie.
Tough choice for sure, and cases could be made for Ben Roethlisberger, who passed for 365 yards, including two critical passes to Markus Wheaton on the final, game-winning drive. Speaking of game winners, you could also go with Shaun Suisham, who booted three field goals, including a 41-yarder on the final play of the contest, lifting the Steelers to a win.
How about Le’Veon Bell? A workmanlike 109 yards rushing in his first regular season game since his infamous run in with the Ross Township police.
In the end, the Pittsburgh Sporting News Player of the Week is none other than Antonio Brown. Not only did Brown have five catches for 116 yards and a touchdown, he gave us the one of the strangest plays of the opening weekend, a kung-fu kick to Browns punter Spencer Lanning.
Brown’s exceptional day was all the more impressive when you consider the fact that one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL, Joe Haden, spent the entire day “shadowing” Brown. I had the pleasure of watching it live, keying in on two of the very best in the league, and Brown definitely looked every bit the part of an All-Pro caliber player. This might be the year that Brown gets that recognition in a league loaded with outstanding receivers.
Congratulations to Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh Sporting News Player of the Week.
