More than 60,000 people at Heinz Field thought the Pittsburgh Steelers season has come to an unsuccessful end when they saw team’s star wide receiver Antonio Brown unable to stand on his feet in the second quarter of the game against the New England Patriots. Brown tried to catch a pass in the end zone but got sandwiched between two Patriots’ players. He was escorted from the field and didn’t return to the game later.
Although the Steelers were afraid of a major injury that could end Brown’s season, luckily that was not the case. According to the ESPN‘s sources, Antonio Brown suffered a partially torn calf muscle and will miss the next game, but is expected to make a return in the playoffs.
With Brown out for the better part of the game, the Steelers couldn’t hold on and suffered a 24-27 defeat against the Patriots. The team’s head coach Mike Tomlin said to the reporters that Brown’s injury certainly affected the team’s game plan.
“It changes. A.B. is significant,” – said Tomlin. “But I thought the guys did a nice job of adjusting and making plays largely. You lose somebody like A.B. and there’s an adjustment.“
Antonio Brown has been playing phenomenally for the Steelers this season, recording 101 receptions for 1,533 yards and 9 touchdowns. On the game against the Patriots, he also became the first receiver in NFL history to have more than four consecutive seasons with 100 or more receptions. Brown’s performance even elevated him to the MVP conversations.
“[Brown] deserves to be an MVP candidate, if not the MVP,” – said Steelers’ quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. “The first WR to get it, I don’t know anyone more deserving. What he’s capable to do every week is spectacular. I’m happy to be a part of it and do my little part. It’s so much fun to watch him.”
