Is Ben's reliance on Brown hurting the Steelers?

A quick look at last years game stats tells me it is. Consider that:

-In games where AB had the most receptions:
Ben threw for an average of 262 ypg
Ben threw 14 tds vs 10 ints
Steelers went 4 - 4

-In games where AB is tied for or does not have the most receptions:
Ben threw for an average of 313 ypg
Ben threw 15 tds vs 3 ints
The Steelers went 6 -0


Coincidence? I think not.

Disclaimer: My numbers may b a bit off as this was rushed before I went to work.

 

But honestly, so far this year, if not for AB what exactly does Ben have to rely on?
The running game has sputtered, Bryant isn't catching much. The only guy, including Ben on this offense who hasn't looking half asleep so far this season is Brown.

 

This article agrees with you, and Ben even admits it:

https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2017/9...aron-rodgers-interceptions-packers-joe-flacco

 

We win the Bears game if Ben makes a couple throws to other, open receivers... but, it's hard to fault a QB too much for looking frequently at the best WR in the game.

 

Reliance or forcing to please AB so he gets his stats?

 

If that’s the case then he just went full Peyton but without the D

 

Ben's play so gar this year sucks. Hes depended on brown in the previous year...even last uear when we were lacking in talent at the wr position. Stop giving him an excuse to contonue to be mediocre

 

So bad you subliminally almost said "garbage"

 

If the O-line gets on pace with last season hopefully things straighten out a bit.

 

The best WR in the game yes but we have other weapons now, not on AB's level but we have them. It's why Brady, Brees, and Rodgers are Elite and Ben is not. You're the captain and QB, make those around you better.
How many years has Ben been in this league and he's still forcing balls into AB the way he used to do with Santonio. Even his 3rd down savior is AB whereas in the past it was Heath or Hines
Spread the friggin ball aound!!

 

Is Ben's reliance on Bombs hurting the Steelers? There fixed it for ya.

 

He is going back to playing like he did when BA was here.LOL

Getting back to original question. AB will be targeted atleast 10 times a game by the Steelers.

When you have a HOF talent you better use him, just like L Bell he will be targeted 25 times a game.

You guys can figure the remaining targets/touches out for your remaining players.

 

Lol...yes!!

 

This probably has a lot to do with it. Ben knows with AB his throws don't have to be perfect. AB will fight for the ball and go after it. All the other receivers the throw has to hit them right in the bread basket or forget it.

 

Part of the problem is the pass protection. Often, Roethlisberger is attempting the deep throw because that is his first option. He can't make the throw to the third or fourth option if he doesn't have the time to go through is progression. That was a larger issue against the Vikings, but it happened some in the other contests as well.


The offensive line is hurting the offense so far.

 

Actually it's Ben's job to figure that out and throw it to the open one. I understand AB is his best target but not when he's double covered...for those excusing it because he doesn't trust the others I call bs...you still have to give guys opportunities rather than force it. I happen to think we have very capable guys so I don't buy into the excuse....Brady doesn't even have a AB....doesn't stop him.

 

Yeah, but right now AB is the only reliable guy on the team.

Ward and Heath were go to guys for Ben as well.

I think when Jesse James got knocked out in that Bears game it took out a guy Ben likes to rely on.

 

I call BS. Guys like MB, LB, and Eli have shown they can perform more often than not. Will they ever be AB? No, but they're also not dbl or even triple covered. Look what Aaron Rodgers did last night to the same Bears D by taking what they were giving. He spread the ball around to 7 different receivers, and not one of them is named Antonio Brown. Not to mention he did it predominately with a third string running back. 124 yards and 4 tds. It couldn't have been any easier.
Ben needs to get his head out of his ass and start playing like a smart, veteran QB. Fortunately, he realizes this also, so I suspect we will see a change this week against the Ravens

 

Rogers clearly is not playing well. He is losing snaps to Smith-Schuster and if they can put somebody else back there for punts, he might not even play this week with Hunter supposedly getting in the lineup.