Brown placing Steelers success over individual accolades

Antonio Brown is on pace for his worst statistical season since 2012, but the star wide receiver isn't concerned with his numbers as long as the Pittsburgh Steelers keep racking up the victories behind a new run-heavy attack.

The Steelers have won four straight games, with running back Le'Veon Bell topping 100 rushing yards in every victory. During that time, Brown hasn't hit the century mark in receiving yards once.

"I'm extremely grateful," Brown said Friday, according to Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "We've been winning and doing some positive things. Whatever it takes to win, whether it's running or passing, whatever gets the job done this time of the year is what we have to do.

"I know every week won’t be designed for me to go down the field and get a lot of passes. I'm a team player. I'm all about the team first, whatever it takes to win. If we have to run the ball 30 times that's what we'll do."

Brown has been on a historic pace for the past several seasons, catching 375 passes for 5031 yards from 2013-15.

However, with the Steelers adjusting their offense to become more run heavy, Brown has played second fiddle to Bell.

This may have drawn a more severe reaction from Brown several years ago, but the Steelers praised the wideout's newfound maturity and selflessness.

"I think we've seen great growth in A.B. from the time I got here until now," offensive coordinator Haley said. "We talk about it all the time. Me and Coach (Tomlin) were talking about it (Wednesday), his growth and maturity.

"He's a great player and he's a great teammate. He understands the goal is to win. And sometimes, the best way to win may not be throwing it 40 times. But he works. He does his job. He does what he’s supposed to do. He's on the details all the time. He's prepared. I wouldn't trade him for anyone.”