Projecting The Steelers Receiving Corps In 2013

photo courtesy of ESPN's David Todd (@DavidMTodd)

There's no doubt that today's NFL is pass oriented to say the least. To have payed any attention over the past nine or ten years is to have witnessed the ascent of the passing game. Passing records are falling, history is being rewritten and modern day quarterbacks are greatly eclipsing the production of their predecessors from as little as two decades ago.

The ratio of runs to passes has fallen over the past decade from approximately 45% to around 42.5% and, as proof of the proclivity of the pass, the offense that passed the most in 2012 ran the ball just over 33.5% of the time.

That fact isn't lost on the Pittsburgh Steelers by any means. They have one of the better tight ends in the NFL and a very good-to-great wide receiver corps. They have also have a two-time Super Bowl winning quarterback, and have drafted offensive linemen to help protect him.

But Heath Miller, the aforementioned tight end, won't be available to start the season. He is still recovering from a terrible knee injury suffered in week 16 last season. But the Steelers recently announced that they would be removing him from the Active PUP list before the season starts. Miller himself has said he doesn't quite know when he'll be ready, but he's "hoping sooner rather than later."

“I think in any rehab process, there are ups and downs,” said Miller, the Pro Bowl tight end who was the Steelers' leading receiver last season. “But I definitely think we've had more positives than negatives, and I feel good.” - http://tinyurl.com/m2pf4x4

The best educated guess is week six. The Steelers have a bye in week five after facing the Minnesota Vikings in London, so October 13 against the New York Jets is a very viable return date for him. If they left Miller on the Reserve PUP list to start the regular season, he wouldn't then be able to return until at least week seven.

With Matt Spaeth and David Johnson also both injured and returning at various points this season, the Steelers will start 2013 with pass-catching TE David Paulson as their No. 1 guy and recent signees Michael Palmer and Nathan Overbay in more of blocking roles. At least until Miller and Spaeth return. Also look for the Steelers, as If It Ain't Steel has written before, to use fullback Will Johnson in more passing situations. Gerry Dulac of rhe Pittsburgh Post-Gazette supports this by writing that they will not be signing anyone else. - http://tinyurl.com/kf8vjvc

The wide receivers that the Steelers have drafted in the last few years comprise a very talented, very potent and very fast unit that is ready to tax secondaries this season. Whether or not they nickel and dime them or take a pocketful of change at a time.

The key, though, isn't the passing game unto itself, it's how productive they are with those passes.

"Antonio Brown, I think, is going to one of the most feared receivers in the league this year," Plaxico Burress told the Associated Press. "And I'm going to do everything in my power to help him get to the level where he can be an elite receiver."

Now that he's on IR, Plax can't help on the field, but he can still mentor him. Nonetheless, the point here is that Brown is expected to do big things this season. He may not quite have the dearly departed Mike Wallace's speed, but deep touchdowns like the 58-yard score against the Baltimore Ravens in 2010 and the 60 yarder he had against the Cincinnati Bengals last year show he can stretch the field.

Keep in mind also that he missed three games after going down during the week nine win over the New York Giants with a high ankle sprain. If he hadn't missed that time, he would've been on pace for approximately 80 catches and over 960 yards - both numbers would have led the team.

Following AB is Emmanuel Sanders, the faster of the two young wideouts. He also has a little more polish to his game and can be interchanged on the outside and in the slot. He is a very good route runner and very good blocker. We used to refer to him as "the future Hines Ward." Let's just hope he stays in Black and Gold in order to have that come to fruition.

With Plax gone, the Steelers lone, true veteran receiver is Jerricho Cotchery. Cotch has great hands and knows how to get open. He's very good at using his body to fend off the defender so as to get the needed yards. His presence on the field, on the sidelines and in the locker room could be invaluable.

That value is exactly why we have to disagree with NFL.com's Jason La Canfora who says that he "could see the Steelers shopping Jerricho Cotchery, for instance, and finding a better market than they may have anticipated."

Neal Coolong of Behind The Steel Curtain contends, however, that La Canfora has a point, saying that the Steelers have "needs all across the roster and will have some awfully tough decisions to make. Perhaps trading Cotch would prevent the Steelers from losing a young prospect they believe could be a future star with time to develop; especially if they believe Sanders will leave in free agency following this season."

Among those "prospects" is Markus Wheaton, because it is Wheaton who can and will contribute significantly this season. In fact, according to Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor, he already "looks like a veteran."

"He's not playing like a rookie, he doesn't act like a rookie. He looks like a veteran,” Taylor said. “Of course he's going to make rookie mistakes because he's a rookie. But watching him over the course of weeks, the guys is smart, polished. I can't wait to see him during the season.” - http://tinyurl.com/mmdf2ff

Neither can we. Which is exactly why the Steelers shouldn't play (read: risk) him on special teams. Wheaton will still have to fight for playing time, but Cotch will push Wheaton in his first season. If he can stay consistent and focused, there’s no reason to think that Wheaton won’t make 35-40 catches in 2013. So, don't risk it, even more so considering those behind him.

Bringing up the rear in the fifth and possibly sixth positions are Justin Brown, Derek Moye, David Gilreath and Reggie Dunn. All have specific skills that they bring to the table and that could benefit the team. All can make their bones on special teams as well. Some more so than others.

The final roster's makeup is yet to be determined, but it could be speculated that the Steelers could keep four running backs (Bell, Redman, Stephens-Howling and Johnson), thereby allowing them to keep WRs (AB, Manny, Cotch, Wheaton and Brown 2.0, who has had a very good Training Camp), allowing them to hold the extra TE spot for Miller and Spaeth.

If they do work the numbers to open up an extra spot, it could just as easily be for an extra RB (Redman) for the purpose of safety, or a sixth WR spot (Dunn) for the extra special teams specialist.

And the next two preseason games will determine if that rings true or not.

For Steelers To Be Successful, They Must Grade On A Bell Curve; Injury Report

UPDATED: 8/16/13
With several positions being manned by different players this upcoming season, many talking heads have the Pittsburgh Steelers written off already, putting them into third or even last place in the division.

The Steelers, though, believe they have the formula for curing many ills. They have set their sights once again on dominating the line of scrimmage and controlling the clock. In the best years they have known, there was always one constant to their offense. That is the ability to run the ball with a lead late in the game and thereby finishing off an opponent.

With the drafting of four offensive linemen and one running back in the first and second rounds in the last four years, the team with the most rushing yards since the NFL/AFL merger have shown that their desire is to excel in that area again. NFL.com's Jason LaCanfora believes these young players portend good things for the Steelers. - http://tinyurl.com/lvhhwsm

The pass oriented NFL isn't being ignored by the Steelers by any means. But they realize that to excel completely at the pass, the run must be established.

Not meaning running on first and second to set up a pass on third, but to establish the threat if nothing else. And a threat is only viable if there is actual fear-based believability. I tell you I'll punch you in the mouth, you scoff. I just do it, and often enough, and the threat is real.

That means the running game must increase its production, and it must do so early in the season. According to Lance Zierlein of Rotoworld.com and TheSidelineView.com, he doesn't expect "the running attack to explode overnight", but he does expect a measured improvement.

"This year, the Steelers are in pretty good shape from a health standpoint on the line and they have a new feature back in rookie Le'Veon Bell....I do think we will finally see the Steelers actually commit to running the football."

Based on what the Steelers running backs coach, Kirby Wilson said last week, the Steelers believe the same.

“You would love to have a back who can play first down through third down," said Wilson. "That’s always the best. Now, you have players who can spell a starter, then you have situational players that have strengths in other areas, put for the most part you always want a guy who is there first through third.”

He and they believe Bell is that back.

However, that can only be done if he and the other players in this are healthy going into as well as throughout the season.

That sound you heard Thursday was the collective breath inhalation and Gasp! of Steeler Nation as Isaac Redman and, maybe more importantly, Bell went down to injuries. Behind the Steel Curtain covered the Redman situation earlier today. - http://tinyurl.com/lu37vqz

As for Bell, he re-aggravated his left knee injury Thursday, the same knee that kept him out of the first preseason game against the Giants, forcing him to watch the conclusion of practice with his leg in ice.

Per Steelers Digest's Bob Labriola, "When Le'Veon Bell aggravated his left knee in practice today, it was not a live tackling session. Bell to be evaluated." Current word is a mild MCL sprain.

NFL.com's Ian Rapoport said that he hears Bell's knee is "fine." Jim Wexell backed that up with his next tweet.

As does DVE's Mike Prisuta.

This comes one day after Bell had been elevated to co-starter status alongside Redman on the team's depth chart. With the Steelers' next preseason game being Monday night, both running backs have time to recover.

As a side point, this is also why the Steelers didn't and wouldn't have cut or traded Jonathan Dwyer. He has shown he can tote the rock and that they can win with him as feature back. He just wasn't consistent enough and was oft injured. Now this with the others.

When looking at the immediate future of this season's team. I see it as Le'Veon Bell, Isaac Redman and LaRod Stephens-Howling, with Will Johnson at fullback. Yes, Dwyer could make the team, but he isn't a special teams guy and is basically another Redman.

As we've written before, the war of attrition has begun. Let's hope that the Steelers know how to balance the fine line between battle testing a player and breaking him. To do so, especially for one whom they want to be their future, they might want to start grading on a Bell curve.

UPDATE: Le'Veon Bell re-aggravated knee bruise. No MCL damage or tears.

Bob Labriola tweeted from his Twitter (@BobLabriola) account: "RB Jeremy Wright signed and PK Daniel Hrapmann waived. Relax, Steelers Nation. This DOES NOT mean Le'Veon Bell's injury is serious."

"For this afternoon's practice, Le'Veon Bell is expected to be dressed and on the field. That indicates his injury isn't serious."
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TIDBITS: The injuries continue to pile up. During their Thursday practice, rookie linebacker Jarvis Jones tweaked his groin. Dale Lolley of the Washington (County) Observer reported that he does not believe the injury is serious.

So, Redman has a stinger, Bell re-aggravated his knee, Jones tweaked his groin and OLineman Justin Cheadle has a significant hamstring injury. Tomlin says it's "a matter of weeks and not days.”

Ben Roethlisberger Must "Prove" He's Ready; Heath Miller is "Big Money"

"There are so few quarterbacks that actually give their team a chance to win just because they're on the field. Ben (Roethlisberger) is one." - Ryan Clark

In Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin's weekly Tuesday press conference, he informed everyone that the quarterback Clark was praising will have to work his way back to being on that field.

The Tomlin message was very clear: Big Ben must show he's healthy, strong armed and ready to go. Tomlin said that he "is closer" to health and threw on Monday.

"Ben will be given an opportunity to prove whether or not he is healthy, obviously Charlie Batch is our guy right now," said Tomlin, pointing out that the Wednesday practice will help to determine his health and availability.

He later reiterated, "We'll focus on the two healthy quarterbacks and the one who's trying to prove he's there in Ben." From the sound of it, Leftwich won't get many reps. - http://tinyurl.com/a4zhtey

Big Ben doesn't need to take any huge leap from end of last week, he just needs to continue his current path of progression. As Tomlin said, "seven days does wonders for injuries."

This is despite what Jason LaCanfora misleadingly stated in an article he wrote saying that Big Ben could have practiced Friday and that his teammates were frustrated with him over it. - http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/blog/jason-la-canfora/21231665

Nowhere else was anything found to support this. Neither by the team nor by any other writer. There wasn't even any intimation of it by any of the supposedly "frustrated" teammates.

According to Big Ben himself, he wanted to be sure that he was absolutely ready so that he wouldn't be a hindrance or liability to his team. Like last season in San Francisco for example.

"I can play through a lot of pain...mostly it's just, to me, ability," Big Ben said last Friday. "Can I make a long throw? Can I put a lot of zip on the ball?"

Per Steelers beat writer Mark Kaboly, Big Ben was barely able to throw more than 10 yards at that point. That hardly sounds like someone who would be ready for an NFL football game.

That said, it would still be a surprise if he isn't suited up on Sunday to match throws with his NFL Draft mate Philip Rivers. Barring some substantial setback, he should "prove" his readiness soon enough.

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Steve Wyche of NFL.com wrote on Tuesday that Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley's offense is continuing to evolve.

He wrote of how the Ravens game showed the proof thereof. A change from the previous two games when the offense had stagnated.

Wyche wrote that "when the Steelers got the Ravens to change from rushing up the field, that opened up throws down field, especially to tight end Heath Miller, who had five catches for 97 yards." He also was the one who essentially closed the door on the Ravens. - http://tinyurl.com/bfuvptg

In doing so, Haley made use of one of the NFL's most underrated players. At least by the NFL in general. His teammates, not to mention all of Steeler Nation, know full-well how "money" Heath Miller is, and has been since being drafted out of Virginia. - http://tinyurl.com/atfzxky

One of his teammates in particular readily sings his praises.

“I’ve always looked for him,” Big Ben said. “He’s always been a comfort zone and blanket. He’s a great player, great teammate, maybe the best teammate I ever played with at any level. That’s a high compliment but he deserves it.”

Big Ben has always called Miller the best tight end in the game, and has reiterated it this season.

“Absolutely,” Roethlisberger said. “All-around tight end? Yeah. People are going to argue with numbers, but all-around tight end? There’s no doubt about it.”

If one wants to "argue with numbers," this season, in Haley's offense, there is more evidence in that category.

Last season, the Steelers scored touchdowns 47% of the time when reaching the red zone (counting post-season). During that time, 7% of the plays and 15% of the passes were sent Miller’s way.

This season, with the Steelers scoring touchdowns well over 50% of the time they visit the red zone, Miller has received almost 20% of the plays and approximately 35% of the passes.

Miller is already eyeing his career high in touchdowns, tying his 2007 output with seven. His touchdown against the Ravens broke the Steelers all-time record for most touchdown catches (38) by tight ends. He surpassed Elbie Nickel (1947-1957).

He's also ranked sixth in the NFL amongst tight ends. Those numbers don’t even include the two-point conversion against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Simply put, you can count Miller near the top if the list of those who don't miss Bruce Arians. You can also count him amongst those in Pro Bowl consideration. - http://tinyurl.com/b5w3ar5

If you need any further proof of the fact that Miller's greatness is underrepresented and under recognized, consider this article by Marc Uhlmann, @SteelDad on Twitter, on how Miller's value and importance can be exemplified in just one play. - http://tinyurl.com/a4y6nvz

Underrated, under recognized and under appreciated by the Madden-video game and fantasy-numbers driven NFL. To football purists who also appreciate the subtle niceties and nuances of the position and of the game, he's "Big Money."

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TIDBITS: INJURY REPORT: Will Johnson (concussion) has already started the process of going through the needed battery of test to play against the Chargers.

Emmanuel Sanders (shoulder) has an AC shoulder sprain that could limit him at the front part of the week.

Mike Adams (ankle) will be out again with his high ankle sprain.

Ryan Clark (hip) might be limited early in the week with a hip contusion.

Willie Colon (knee) is back this week, but could be limited again early on in the week.

LaMarr Woodley (hamstring) is questionable.

Jerricho Cotchery (ribs) is expected to practice fully this week.

Byron Leftwich (ribs) is getting closer.

Ike Taylor (ankle) suffered a right ankle fracture and will be out for a couple of weeks.

With Ike now sidelined indefinitely, Tomlin was asked if they will bring in any defensive backs for a work out.

"We could potentially do that and maybe not even necessarily to make a specific move right now, but when your lines get thin, you evaluate people for potentially the next injury," said Tomlin. "So we're open minded potentially to bringing in a corner or two..."

The Steelers will likely bring in a few cornerbacks to evaluate and work out. A few names out there are Leigh Bodden, Bryant McFadden, Kelly Jennings, Justin King and Alphonso Smith.
UPDATE: Per Ed Bouchette (@EdBouchette on Twitter): "#Steelers work out CB Justin King, Gateway High and PSU. Getting updated numbers on him is all, in case they lose another CB....King was 4th-round pick by Rams in '08. Was this season with Colts, who cut him after week five."

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Per Bob Labriola: "WR Derek Moye cut from practice squad. CB Josh Victorian signed to practice squad. This is an injury-related move."

Steelers' Lose Another Quarterback; Is Plax Back?

...and then there was one.

The hits just keep on coming for the NFL team that could fill an episode of The Walking Dead with players from its roster.

CBSSports.com's Jason La Canfora reported Monday that the Pittsburgh Steelers are concerned that Byron Leftwich may be "out for a while" because of rib and shoulder injuries he suffered in Sunday night's 13-10 loss to Baltimore Ravens.

ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported that second-string quarterback Byron Leftwich sustained fractured ribs.

That means that Uncle Charlie Batch will get up off of his rocking chair, make sure his Medicare coverage is up-to-date and start at quarterback Sunday against the Cleveland Browns. - http://sulia.com/channel/pittsburgh-steelers/f/1511a2e8-edad-4d02-b223-e12d06ff362d/?source=twitter

However, as Steelers beat writer Mark Kaboly said: "I guarantee that no team in the NFL has a quality third-string backup like the Steelers do with Charlie Batch." Can he right the ship? - http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=8653390&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

The Steelers are expected to work out quarterbacks this week, according to La Canfora, as Uncle Charlie is the only quarterback left currently on the roster. - http://tinyurl.com/dxmdmjk

Names thrown around have been Brian Hoyer, Tyler Palko, Jerrod Johnson, Mike Kafka and, by LaMarr Woodley only, Donovan McNabb. - http://tinyurl.com/d6tpadd

Leftwich was hurt on the first series of the game Sunday night when he scored the touchdown on a 31-yard run, and he could be headed to the injured reserve list (IR) if it is deemed a 3-4 week injury as has been suggested.

If that happens, it will have been the third time in five years that his season would be ended by injury and it's time to seriously start questioning his actual value. Yes, he's a good veteran backup, but he's made of more glass than Brock Lesnar's chin.

A roll into the end zone resulted in adversely affected play. He was obviously hurt, but wasn't pulled because of what Tomlin called a "gritty" (not "great", as some have transcribed) effort. In that gritty effort, according to ESPN Stats & Information, however, Leftwich completed just 5 of 16 passes that were thrown longer than 10 yards downfield. Four incompletions of which were underthrown and three were overthrown.

His ineffectiveness was a major component in the Steelers loss. Now, not only do the Steelers have to look for a backup, and possibly third-strong, quarterback, but for a wide receiver as well.

It sounds like Jerricho Cotchery is likely to miss some time, because ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on Monday that the Steelers will take a shot in the dark (pun intended) at former Steelers wide receiver Plaxico Burress. Plax is being brought in for a physical and, if he passes, is expected to sign.

Per Schefter: "Feeling always has been that the Steelers wouldn't bring WR Plaxico Burress to Pittsburgh if the team didn't intend to sign him." Is it the right move? - http://espn.go.com/blog/afcnorth/post/_/id/59449/steelers-make-right-move-to-bring-in-burress

Steelers need roster spots, so expect a busy transaction list on Tuesday. There will be more athletes going in and out the Steelers doors than at a Kardashian's house.

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TIDBITS: ESPN reported Sunday morning that Steelers doctors believe starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will miss three weeks with his ribs and shoulder injuries, although the team hasn't given up hope that he could sit out just two games.

The team, though, still holds out hope that he could sit for just two games. If so, Big Ben could suit up against the Baltimore Ravens when the teams meet again in Week 13.

Dr. Clark Fuller, the director of Thoracic Surgery at St. John's Health Center in Santa Monica, California, told Sports Illustrated's Peter King that a premature return would put Big Ben at risk of nerve damage along with previously reported threats to the aorta. - http://tinyurl.com/dyzpy5e

If that is the case and Big Ben risks nerve damage, why is he even on the field and not in bed, or at least out of harm's way, in the first place? Ask Sean Payton what can happen on an NFL sideline. As my partner-in-crime would say, I'm just sayin...

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Quick bios on the leading candidates: Brian Hoyer in three years with the New England Patriots was 27 of 43 for 286 yards with one touchdown and one interception.

Mike Kafka spent his two seasons in the league with the Philadelphia Eagles, but only saw playing time last season and completed 11 of 16 passes for 107 yards with two interceptions. - http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/11/20/report-steelers-to-workout-brian-hoyer-mike-kafka/

BR7 Proves Better Than RGIII As Steelers Defeat WDC In PGH

The Washington Redskins flew into Pittsburgh having rushed for at least 120 yards in each game this season. The main reasons for that have been Alfred Morris and Robert Griffin III who, as a quarterback, was 12th in the NFL in rushing.

Any thoughts of extending that streak ended on Heinz Field Sunday afternoon.

RGIII was turned into RG 3 points at a time as the Pittsburgh Steelers hurried, hit and confused the rookie quarterback phenomenon all day. At times it looked like a jail break (yeah, I went there). They also shut down the fierce run/option attack the Redskins' offense has been predicated on all season. - http://tinyurl.com/9sz3mm7

The Steelers shut down their running game and RGIII himself as he only passed for 177 yards and only had eight yards on six rushes.

Many of the keys to winning the game that we outlined in the article before the came to fruition as the Steelers defense kept RGIII at bay. The Steelers offense, led by quarterback Big Ben Roethlisberger, showed more diversity en route to a 27-12 win.

The Steelers had RGIII right where they wanted him all day as he sat back in the pocket and made throws rather than running.

James Harrison, Lawrence Timmons, Larry Foote and LaMarr Woodley, who strained his right hamstring, continually harassed RGIII, and Deebo in particular manhandled the tight ends the Redskins kept running at him, continually sealing the edge.

On the other side, Big Ben was 24-33 for 222 yards and three touchdown passes with a 121.0 QB rating. He didn't have any interceptions and wasn't sacked, the first time that's happened in over two years. When Ben stays as clean as he did Sunday, he's very hard to beat.

As Merril Hoge posted on his personal Twitter (@merrilhoge) account last week: "No SB QB has ever off set more offensive line issues the Ben and won game and SB! Ben is ELITE!!!!!"

Sunday, Big Ben was the same ol' Ben Roethlisberger. When that's the case, it means the Steelers are always going to have a chance to win. - http://t.co/v6sWApFt

Big Ben distributed passes generously once again, including all three TD passes going to the tight ends and to fullback Will Johnson. - http://tinyurl.com/9e3c5w2

One of those tight ends is the very underrated Heeeaaattthhh Miller, who tied the Steelers all-time record for touchdowns by a tight end (37) with his score Sunday.

Miller made a very poignant statement regarding the Big Ben-led D&D offense: "I think defenses have trouble determining who they want to take away in our passing game."

Very true. Especially when the receivers aren't dropping passes, which was much more in check Sunday. This time it was the Redskins receivers who acted like they heard footsteps all afternoon.

The Steelers went into the game with 11 drops in six games. The Redskins had 10 sunday alone.

The Redskins receivers gave little help to RGIII as they surrendered more balls than Queen concert after-party.

RGIII could easily have had 250 or more yards and another touchdown pass had the receivers done their part. They didn't, though, and it kept the Redskins in play-from-behind mode all day.

Another star in the game Sunday was Steelers running back Jonathan Dwyer.

In his press conference last tuesday, Mike Tomlin said that Dwyer is a guy in development. He said of Dwyer that "its good to see him take advantage of opportunities when they are given."

Dwyer did just that again Sunday when he went for 107 yards on 17 carries, the first Steelers running back in more than four years (Fast Willie Parker) with back-to-back 100-yard games. - http://tinyurl.com/8vjhlwd

That smacks at the changeover to a passing team the Steelers have become. Don't think that they don't want to run the ball, though.

The Steelers are 10-0 when they rush for at least 120 yards since the start of the 2011 season, only 6-7 when they rush for less. Point blank, the Steelers are suddenly dangerous with a gelling offense that includes a strong running game. - http://t.co/l6NKHyBX

Now that they seem to have hit their midseason stride, they have a real challenge in front of them as they head into the Meadowlands next Sunday, Hurricane Sandy permitting, to face the New York Giants.

For now, though, the Steelers are enjoying having weathered the storm of RGIII before thinking about EM10.

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TIDBITS: Before the Redskins game Sunday, Roethlisberger, Willie Colon, and Max Starks had played every snap this year, with Timmons, Miller and Ryan Clark missing only one.

That is no longer the case with Clark as he went down with a concussion in the second half Sunday. He says he ok and plans to play next, per Jason LaCanfora.

“@JasonLaCanfora: Texting w/Steelers S Ryan Clark, who suffered concussion. Says he feels good, recalls details of the game, including his big hit on RGIII” - from his personal Twitter account.

The right quad tightened up on Dwyer. Tomlin addressed all the injuries,but did not say who will start next week. - http://www.steelers.com/video-and-audio/videos/Mike_Tomlin_Postgame_vs_Redskins/599e96fc-3649-47e2-981c-afc927e8ebe5

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Antonio Brown needs to be reined in a little bit. AB running backward is not very smart. What makes him think he won't get flagged in a situation like that? Didn't he learn from the preseason? C'mon, man!

Like Jim Wexell tweeted: "@jimwexell: Two Browns penalized on the same play. First time that's ever happened outside of Cleveland."

And if you're scoring at home, that's 183 yards in returns erased the past two games by six penalties. Like I said last week, "Special Ed Teams."