Some people are reluctant to place Pittsburgh Steelers’ wide receiver Antonio Brown in the class of the truly elite receivers in the NFL; his name is not readily mentioned with the likes of Calvin Johnson, Dez Bryant, A.J. Green, Andre Johnson or Demaryius Thomas.
More from Cleveland Browns
- Browns release 2022 draft pick after allegations he threatened a woman
- Browns wave white flag against the Steelers months ahead of time
- NFL Power Rankings: Who is the best quarterback in each division?
- NFL Power Rankings: Which teams will have the best rushing attacks this season?
- NFL rumors: DeAndre Hopkins reunion with former quarterback off the table
There is no question that Brown should be considered among that class of wide receivers. Just ask Cleveland Browns’ cornerback Joe Haden, who is set for another showdown with Brown and the Steelers in week 1 of the 2014 season on Sunday.
As quoted in the Cleveland Plain Dealer, here is what Haden had to say about facing Brown:
"“He’s one of the (best receivers I’ve covered),” said Haden. “He’s in my top (few). Calvin Johnson, A.J. Green, Josh Gordon, Dez Bryant. He’s in that company. He’s really good after the catch. He knows how to make people miss.”"
Part of the reason Brown is not immediately considered among the elite is his size: he is only 5’10”, when the typical image of a dominant receiver is a big tall guy who can win jump balls. Haden addressed that issue as well:
"“He’s a smaller dude, but he has really good hands, really good routes and his after the catch is up there with the best of them,” said Haden."
You might not necessarily throw jump balls to Brown, but he can make a contested catch with the best of them and gets separation as well as anybody in the NFL. Coming off a monster 2013 season in which he caught 110 balls for 1,499 yards and eight touchdowns, Brown will try to pick up where he left off on Sunday against Haden and the Browns.
Stay tuned to FanSided for all of the latest on the Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, and all your NFL news and analysis as the 2014 season kicks off.