Antonio Brown On Big Ben: “He Is The General”

When one pair sticks so long together like Ben Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown, their everyday communication might seem a bit odd for all other people.

Some statements which are interpreted in one way could have a totally different meaning. That was the situation with Big Ben’s alleged critique on Brown and his interview issued during the week, in which he “criticized” his wide receiver.

Roethlisberger was explaining that Brown should have run his rout a bit different than he did, which eventually led to an interception. He also said about that play, that he should have thrown it to JuJu Smit-Shuster.

Now for all the media eager to have a sensational and bombastic headline which might bring a couple of more dollars, this was a perfect material to create a story which, in reality, is far away from the one they wrote.

For Brown, Big Ben’s words are nothing more than a guideline towards better results and more wins.

“I’ve got big shoulders. I can take it,” Brown told the media “Constructive criticism is only for you to get better. It’s not personal.”

Antonio Brown on Ben Roethlisberger constructive criticism pic.twitter.com/wAsbIy4vbG

— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) November 30, 2018

If all the players had their ego controlled the way AB has in this case, we are pretty sure that many of the media would have been closed by now. According to the wide receiver, there is nothing ill in Roethlisberger’s words, as he just tries to get the maximum out of his teammates, to motivate them and to get them ready for another similar situation which might occur in some other match.

“Ben’s my guy, man. I love him. Anything he says, there’s a method to his madness. It’s only to inspire the group, encourage the group to be better. That’s the type of guy he is.”

Brown then told the reporters something they didn’t want to hear. There aren’t any problems between the two. Period.

“I don’t know if it’s been misconstrued or changed in regards to how you guys put it out there, but he means well.”

This isn’t the first time that Ben criticized Brown publicly. For example, last year the Steelers quarterback had remarked on his behaviour during the game against the Ravens, when Brown threw a Gatorade cooler on the ground.

Still, nothing sensational came out of that one.

The No.84 in Pittsburgh and Roethlisberger have a long history, which is already legendary, by all NFL standards. There are 70 touchdowns passes/receptions between the two, and they are just one of seven duos in the history of the game with that kind of productivity. Alongside his quarterback, Brown became one of the best receivers in the Steelers existence and established himself as the best in the league for the last several years.

AB 84 also said something to cool of the reporters and their intention to create some kind of hype around the fact that JuJu Smit-Schuster has more catches this season than him.

Brown has 11 touchdowns at the moment, 874 yards and 71 catches. If he continues with this pace, he is going to end the season with the lowest number of yards since his sophomore season in 2012. Meanwhile, JuJu already broke the 1,000-yard mark. But that is ok with Brown, who doesn’t want for his personal statistics to stand in the way of the team’s results.

“Me and Ben have 800 catches. I think JuJu can deserve four.” AB said, and finished the interview with a strong message to all, saying that Big Ben is the captain and that he knows how to get the maximum out of this team.

Hell of a play by Juju Smith-Schuster and a great downfield block by Antonio Brown.https://t.co/ix786LzKW2

— Erick Fernandez (@ErickFernandez) November 25, 2018

“He is the general. He’s the captain. I’m not the captain. His method to his madness will only help us get better. You’re going to see us get better.”

The Steelers are hosting the 8-3 Chargers this Sunday in prime time. With 7-3-1 they are toping the AFC North but also aiming one of the first two places in the conference. Chargers also have high ambitions, as they too have the same plans.

Get ready for a rumble.