Is Antonio Brown Ready to Be the Steelers’ “Number One” Receiver?

Aug 12, 2013; Latrobe, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) participates during training camp drills at Saint Vincent College. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Ben Roethlisberger sure had some kind words to say about Antonio Brown in a recent interview.  When the two-time Pro Bowl quarterback was asked what to expect from Brown this fall, Roethlisberger said the following about the former sixth-round draft pick:

"The sky is the limit [for Brown].  He can be as good as he wants to be.  I have seen growth in him and improvements, and that is what we want to see.  He has come along as a number-one guy."

Although it might be a bit early to get too excited over these comments, they are definitely positive to hear from one of the game’s best signal-callers.  Over the last two seasons, Brown has been one of the most productive number-two targets in the entire league (29 games, 135 catches, 1,895 yards, 7 touchdowns).

With Mike Wallace gone though, the onus will now be on Brown to step up and lead the wide receiver corps this fall and into the future.  Thankfully, Brown has said and done the right things while he has stepped up into a leadership role during this offsesason after his 2012 campaign was plagued by injuries (three missed games) and ball-security issues (four fumbles).

I for one am excited to see how Brown can handle being Pittsburgh’s number-one pass-catcher this fall.  The Steelers appear ready to put him in that role, especially since they have removed him from the punt return chores.  With Wallace in South Beach and Heath Miller on the sidelines for an extended period this year, then Brown should be looked to early and often by Roethlisberger.

Players Stats & Info. Provided By: ESPN.com, Steelers.com, and Pro Football Reference

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