Antonio Brown’s career has been a roller coaster. In Pittsburgh, he was in the conversation of becoming the greatest receiver of all time. Then a significant fallout came between Brown and the entire Steeler organization. Talking down of teammates Ben Roethlisberger and Juju Smith-Shuster led to Brown being shipped out to the Raiders where the drama did not end. Helmet issues and domestic charges ended Brown’s Raider career before it began. Bill Belichick and Tom Brady took a chance on Brown at the beginning of 2019 where Brown played a single game before being suspended by the league. For the first half of 2020, Antonio Brown was a free agent until joining Tom Brady again, but in Tampa Bay. Slowly integrated into the offense, he eventually hit his stride and looked like he had not missed a step since his Steeler days.
From 2013-2018, his last full season, Brown averaged over 1,500 yards and 11 touchdowns per season. Antonio Brown was unquestionably the best receiver during those years. Double and triple teams were common occurrences and still could not overcome the elite production of Brown. He demonstrates blazing quickness in and out of his routes. While not a burner, Brown has great concentration to help him make absurd sideline catches. Brown will create separation against any corner and will always find the hole in zone coverage. He is a savvy route runner and separates at the line of scrimmage if the defender tries to get their hands on Brown.
Early on in his Buccaneer career, Antonio Brown showed signs of miscommunication whether it be with Brady or the playbook. Running the wrong route on options and other miscues cause Brown to play limited snaps. Week 17 is where it clicked. Against the Falcons, Brown played a season-high 84% of snaps and dominated every one. Hauling in 11 of his 15 targets and recording 138 yards and 2 touchdowns. Brown looked like his former self and became yet another top-tier weapon for Brady among the best receiving corps in the league. A knee injury has hobbled him since and is back to playing limited snaps, but when every time Brown takes the field, he must be accounted for.
An unrestricted free agent in 2021, the 32-year-old is rumored to be locked up by Tampa Bay, despite the impending free agency of teammate Chris Godwin. Antonio Brown’s transcendent return to the league in 2020 will have other teams lining up to sign him if there is no more drama off the field.
