The Antonio Brown X-Factor
August 9th, 2021
After six monster seasons in the NFL, seven Pro Bowl honors, multiple Super Bowl appearances and impressive career numbers, Antonio Brown already is a lock to be in the Hall of Fame one day.
Joe doesn’t want to hear anyone argue.
Heck, with a nothing-too-special season this year, Brown will pass a good share of legends on the career receiving yards list, as well as on the total catches charts.
Brown was all smiles with media after practice today, repeating how he’s now all about appreciation, gratitude and perspective as he enters this season at 33 years old.
Of course, fans have heard all about Brown’s personal meltdown. It appeared to begin with his late-season-2018 quitter routine with the Steelers and end with him finishing probation in the Florida legal system earlier this year.
It’s a new Brown now, fresh off the first surgery of his career. His knee is ready to roll and Bucco Bruce Arians said today that it had been an issue for Brown for years and now he looks to be playing with speed Arians saw four or five years ago.
Four or five years ago?? That’s when Brown was arguably the best receiver in the game and posting massive numbers.
Brown said today he’d like to play for a long, long time. So it seems Bucs fans should consider that Brown is in a contract year, is hungry to keep playing, is healthier than he’s been in forever, and Tom Brady gave him more targets per games played last year than any other Tampa Bay receiver.
Joe can only imagine what’s pulsating through Brown’s mind. If Brown has another year of 100 catches and 1,000+ yards, he’ll break the NFL record he shares with retired receiver Brandon Marshall.
Man, Joe hopes Brown really has successfully re-wired himself to behave like a guy grateful of his opportunity and respectful of the game.
The thought of Brown being a 2017 flashback of himself means the Bucs very well could have the greatest offense in NFL history.
We are one month from opening day!
August 9th, 2021 at 3:47 pm
Top 5 receiver in the league. Can’t wait and neither can Tommy boy.
August 9th, 2021 at 3:54 pm
“Joe can only imagine what’s pulsating through Brown’s mind.”
I’d venture to guess that anybody who has followed Antonio Brown’s career has, on multiple occasions, attempted to imagine the same thing.
August 9th, 2021 at 4:00 pm
AB is the man
August 9th, 2021 at 4:03 pm
Said it all offseason, but I think he’ll lead the team in receptions — while Evans leads the team in yards. Godwin’s numbers will be a bit lower than both – maybe making him cheap enough to resign, who knows.
For Brown, he is in a contract year, and needs to show he can be counted on without another huge meltdown. It sure does sound like he needs the money – which is great motivation to keep him in check. If he has a good year and someone like Detroit gives him a big money offer, good luck with that.
But for now, enjoy it. I truly expect this offense could end up having a historic year if Brady stays healthy. I think the defense will be what they were last year in the regular season, that meaning sort of middle of the pack, which means the offense should have lots of motivation to score a ton of points.
Also, look at the best offense of all-time…
2013 Denver Broncos
Total Yards Per Game: 457.3 (1st)
Passing Yards Per Game: 340.2 (1st)
Rushing Yards Per Game: 117.1 (15th)
Points Per Game: 37.9 (1st)
Who was the QB there? Peyton Manning.
How much would Brady like to take that spot?
Manning had Eric Decker, Demaryius Thomas, Wes Welker and Julius Thomas. That’s an excellent group, but Brady’s group is better.
Oh, and trump card… 17 games to break the record.
August 9th, 2021 at 4:03 pm
We about 2 terrorize the league!!!
August 9th, 2021 at 4:24 pm
If Brown has 3 years left in him, it will help mitigate the likely loss of Chris Godwin
August 9th, 2021 at 4:31 pm
All the reports I’ve seen say that Evans is in top form, and you add in AB to that list, and you know CG is going to be Mr. Reliable as well. The league isn’t ready for what the Bucs can do to them on both sides of the ball.
August 9th, 2021 at 4:49 pm
Isn’t every year a contract year for AB at this stage? He’ll be a 1-yr mercenary for the rest of his career – for better or for worse. Just glad TB12 can actually manage him to keep him useful for the Bucs.
August 9th, 2021 at 4:49 pm
If Simeon Rice can’t get in Brown with all his melt downs doesn’t deserve to be in the hall. Rice never gave up on his his team he was just a different kind of dude
August 9th, 2021 at 4:51 pm
Defensive Coordinators are going to have to stockup on Pepto Bismol this season when they play the Bucs.
August 9th, 2021 at 5:08 pm
2022 discussions start with who’s under center. Figure that out first and then move forward.
August 9th, 2021 at 5:11 pm
You knew it was coming…..ready, set…..MAGA……Make Antonio Great Again…
I suspect that we won’t be able to keep Godwin next year….not because we can’t afford to pay him…..it’s because we can’t afford to pay him more than Evans…
If that happens….we have Evans, Brown, Johnson, Darden, Miller & a draft pick or two.
Not too shabby…..
August 9th, 2021 at 5:32 pm
multiple superbowl rings?
huh ?
August 9th, 2021 at 5:45 pm
TBBF either way its very comforting know we have 2 options for #2 Wideout next year.
I think Chris Godwin would be the best option. But Im leaning towards keeping AB instead……Just so long as he keeps rockin that sweet sweet stash!!
August 9th, 2021 at 6:19 pm
Godwin is good but he’s no AB. AB would never drop 4 balls in a playoff game, Period!
August 9th, 2021 at 6:32 pm
AB healthy will kill it all year. We saw that towards the end of the year. The only problem is they gave him less touches because he was WR3, Same With Fournette and Rojo. Fournette got less touches because Rojo was the “Starter” … I say whoever is performing the best, Feed them the ball.
August 9th, 2021 at 6:39 pm
Anybody who thinks AB is not a HOFer knows little about football. If he is truly all the way back he’s the best receiver in the NFL.
August 9th, 2021 at 6:49 pm
We’re going to need more footballs.
August 9th, 2021 at 6:58 pm
Ab is back look out I’ve been a Brady fan since he was drafted why you think Brady put his ass on the line he knows what ab can do if he keeps his head on straight i really think ab had a come to Jesus after the last two years
August 9th, 2021 at 7:01 pm
Trade OJ for CJ Henderson?
August 9th, 2021 at 7:03 pm
Joe to be honest I think AB’s issues really started back with that cheap shot he took from Burfict in a playoff game or end of the season game if I remember correctly.
August 9th, 2021 at 7:17 pm
Jenna is not giving BSPN Bucs info and I’m loving it.
“Who is the biggest threat to Tampa?” Need to just say who’s going to win the NFC and AFC and the Super Bowl. Don’t need to hear the dumba$$ reason how the Packers or the Rams MIGHT beat the Bucs.
They all say OJ Howard is the ultimate come back all day. Don’t talk about anything in camp just a bunch of BS. How about Vea return? Totally clueless to what AB,Darden,Gio game is looking (3 guys on offense). Vegas has lost their damn minds.
Don’t bet against the GOAT…cus we CANNOT have Gabbert,Griffin,or Trask out there (Bucs info Jenna thanks for keeping it on the down low)
August 9th, 2021 at 7:33 pm
I’m so ready and excited for the Bucs season
17 games, the playoffs and a repeat Super Bowl win
We have the finest NFL team of all time
August 9th, 2021 at 8:38 pm
I’ve told you jokers he’ll lead the team in targets, if not receptions. Brady and him have unfinished business from NE. They would’ve set records that year.nif he stay healthy they will this year. For some strange reason Brady has taken a shine to him. For Christ sake he stayed at his house. I don’t trust Godwin or Evans to stay upright this year, that’s part of my reasoning
August 9th, 2021 at 10:08 pm
Yeah, I agree Antonio Brown will be looking at one year deals for the rest of his career. I always root for redemption stories; I hope he keeps his head on straight and has an amazing season. He’s worth a helluva lot more than that $3 million contract.
August 9th, 2021 at 10:22 pm
multiple super bowl appearances? i dont think he ever played in a super bowl until this one. the steelers of old never had him then. i could be wrong but fairly certain this was his first super bowl appearance. he may have only been in a couple AFC championship games before as well.
August 9th, 2021 at 10:26 pm
Anon:
Brown played against the Packers in the Super Bowl his rookie year. Yes, two Super Bowls is “multiple.”
August 10th, 2021 at 5:26 am
I think a 80/900 line is likely, but obviously could be off and if the offense ends up being historic, there will be more yards to go around, maybe getting him over a 1000.
Even with that, who is going to sign him for big money? You need an absolute dictator of a veteran QB who will keep him in line, while also needing to be able to not trigger him. Not a lot of guys like that out there, and I can’t see too many GM’s putting their rep on the line giving him big money.
August 10th, 2021 at 7:56 am
Rod munch
You were one of the biggest advocates for AB signing
And that gamble payed off in a big way
People forget he sat out an entire season and maybe a half before playing with bucs.
No offseason to work with brady. Legs /body not in football shape
The dude is flying around in camp. I think he will be better then last year
Dude is a freak
Once the best in the business
You cant stop all these receivers and tight ends.
Just no way
And he knows who gave him a chance to play a few more years and earn some more millions cause most of his pay was spent on his life and poor life decisions
August 10th, 2021 at 10:18 am
Ben Green
He is on fire but don’t know if he’ll get the most targets with all of our WRs and TEs being in the number three WR, including Darden who is likely going to also get some reps. The amazing and awesome thing, these guys will be able to remain very fresh.
August 10th, 2021 at 12:55 pm
Mike is already a hall of famer and Godwin has that potential, but dudes like Brown and Moss just seem to possess an extra level of greatness. Brown belongs in the hall without a doubt.