If Brown Can’t Go…
January 21st, 2021
Bigger hole
Antonio Brown did not practice yesterday as he is trying to recuperate from hurting a knee against the slimy Saints last Sunday.
Bucs coach Bucco Bruce Arians has been rather tight-lipped about Brown’s status. But it smells like Brown likely won’t be able to go for Sunday’s NFC Championship game in Green Bay. This is strictly Joe speculating.
When Brown did go down with that injury, Joe — like many fans — wasn’t worried. If there is any position where the Bucs are deep, it is wide receiver. Scotty Miller and Tyler Johnson would start on a lot of teams. Here? Backups.
But Brown might be missed more than Joe initially thought or perhaps many fans believed. Per the PFF tribe, in the latter weeks of the season and into the playoffs, Brown has been one of the most dangerous explosive-play threats in the NFL.
If Joe said that Cheetah Hill was a home run hitter, who would argue? Yet per the tribe, Brown has as many big plays as Hill.
In fact, Brown is tied with Hill leading the NFL in touchdown receptions over 20 yards since Week 9.
Most 20+ yard TD receptions since Week 9:
💥 Antonio Brown – 4
💥 Tyreek Hill – 4
💥 Gabriel Davis – 4 pic.twitter.com/Uu6NFdDpfA— PFF (@PFF) January 21, 2021
So yeah, if Brown cannot go, it might limit the Bucs’ big-play element of the passing offense. Perhaps critically.
Joe is confident Miller can spread the field and take the top off, and Johnson can do damage in the short and intermediate game.
The home run hitting-capability of Brown? That will be missed.
January 21st, 2021 at 5:12 am
If Brown is out, I say we run 2 TE’s most of the game and rely heavy on the run game. Especially in the snow. Pound the ball and mix with play action. Just my
Opinion though.
January 21st, 2021 at 5:26 am
Miller time!
January 21st, 2021 at 6:01 am
Well we didn’t have him last time we played the Pack did we? I think we’ll be ok
January 21st, 2021 at 6:21 am
He will use Mikes game-ready machine with the TB12 method and be ready to play. If he is limited at all I am calling a Scotty Miller or Tyler Johnson TD this weekend.
January 21st, 2021 at 6:40 am
Wow sounds like you’re coming to your senses about AB
January 21st, 2021 at 7:00 am
AB gives us a very rare threat Oas a #3 WR…….I sure hope he’s OK to go……regardless….GB has to plan against him being there and that will limit their ability to plan for TJ & Scotty….
My sense is that his absence will mean that Brate will be used more.
January 21st, 2021 at 7:01 am
I could have sworn I saw him standing (not sitting) on the sideline, no crutches, for most of the game. If his knee was THAT hurt, would you not think he would be at least sitting or not on the sidelines at all?
January 21st, 2021 at 7:30 am
I bet AB plays. BA isn’t going to give the Packers any information.
January 21st, 2021 at 8:06 am
Gotta give a shout out to DR on this. He showed the stats on AB, that AB had been a bigger part of what was happening than most of us realized. GO BUCS!!!
January 21st, 2021 at 8:12 am
Green Bay will be aware of Scooter and Tyler, but you game plan when you have CG, ME and AB, because you know all three can hurt you consistently at any time.
January 21st, 2021 at 8:13 am
Let’s see: Evans, Godwin, Gronk, Brate, Miller, Johnson – it appears we will be just fine Joe
January 21st, 2021 at 8:15 am
If Brown wasn’t on the Bucs it would be Miller’s name on that list and he might have 5 or 6 catches of 20+ yards.
January 21st, 2021 at 8:22 am
What Dewey said!
January 21st, 2021 at 8:39 am
Well said buc15!!!! Agree 100%!!!
I think AB had a great season, a very reliable player and seems he is in peace and love mood (hope stays that way), but the beauty of this situation is that the Bucs have tons of different weapons, and they are ALL good at the very least….. The team who wins the trenches is the team who goes to superbowl, no doubt in my mind……
January 21st, 2021 at 8:47 am
This Bucs staff are Masters at Liars Poker.
Would it shock anyone if Brown suited up and played?
January 21st, 2021 at 8:50 am
I agree AB would be missed, but I believe ME will fill that gap. If AB had not been playing so well, ME would be getting those looks. I want AB to play, but if he cannot, Scotty, Godwin and ME will do nicely, along with a little Cam and Gronk thrown in.
BUT, note to Gronk and Godwin (especially), SQUEEZE the rock when it comes your way!!!
January 21st, 2021 at 8:52 am
I was thinking the exact same thing Cobraboy!
January 21st, 2021 at 9:03 am
I believe Miller and/or Johnson can take up the slack.
January 21st, 2021 at 9:13 am
i think he’ll play…
as i said earlier…all hands on deck!!
GO BUCS!!!!
January 21st, 2021 at 9:28 am
I think he ends up playing.
January 21st, 2021 at 9:59 am
You think Brown would miss a chance to play in the NFC Championship game in a contract year?
Hell, he’d play if his knee was amputated…
January 21st, 2021 at 10:30 am
Gronk and Brate time!
January 21st, 2021 at 10:35 am
I will miss Brown on the “quick pas” which is like an extended handoff. Those 4-5 yards-a-pop be helpful on drawing in off coverage. Just my 2 cents worth. It is also an extension of the run game.
January 21st, 2021 at 11:42 am
Honestly, I would rather see Scotty play! … Look at the teams brown did that against then look at how tightly he was covered against the saints… He’s still not in peak form and I think Scotty is just as big a threat….. Poor Godwin I think has had some bad breaks with his broken fingers!! He has a splint on those 2 fingers and it’s why he can’t grip the ball… Any catch he has to actually squeeze instead of body it he’s been dropping…. Hopefully that splint can come off this week
January 21st, 2021 at 12:17 pm
“Limit the Bucs big play ability.” Joe, you drinking Bromosas this morning.
Miller and Johnson are the Bucs big play ability. Love to see those guys get more reps.
January 21st, 2021 at 12:31 pm
I think Gronk, Godwin, and ME13 want to have a statement game after that Saints showdown. Especially Chiss Godwin, who seems to have the yips lately. Gronkzilla will be punishing and Me13 wants him some ring bling. He and the rest of the Pewter Pirates will sporting new jewlery in the offseason. Brady? He’ll have to pump weights to wear all of his! Dude will require armed escort when he and Gizzelle step out.
Go Bucs!
January 21st, 2021 at 1:30 pm
TJ18 is Godwin 2.0. I wanted to see him more this season, but it’s tough to get on the field when you’re a rookie with 3 superstar WRs in front of you.
January 21st, 2021 at 1:38 pm
Without a scary, dominant pass-rush from the Packers, I would expect Gronk to block less and release on routes more. Seeing his production in NE, especially in big games with Brady, I am hoping/expecting to see Gronk make one huge and critical catch in this game, at the least. His size and experience are perfect for snow/cold and for the run game to feast. Also, don’t forget that AB was a beast in the cold with Steelers, so he’s got experience in games this big. I expect the experience of big games to show up in this game for the Bucs. GO BUCS!
January 21st, 2021 at 2:45 pm
As Denzel Washington said in Clash of the Titans, ” You can’t replace a guy like Antonio Brown “. This is a far bigger loss that most are thinking. Miller & Johnson do not require as much attention especially Miller one trick money. Brown can do anything from the receiver position. He actually went back in the Saints game shortly after the injury occurred. I to hope BA is playing possum. Brown is a baller and fighting for a better contract, he would have to be in bad shape if he doesn’t play.
January 21st, 2021 at 2:45 pm
Sorry Remeber the Titans!