Steelers' Brown responds to critics: 'I can't throw it to myself'

Pittsburgh Steelers star Antonio Brown is among the most targeted receivers in football, drawing the third most passes through three games, yet there's a growing refrain that his numbers are down heading into the quarter mark of the season.

Brown leads the team in touchdown receptions with two, but his catches (24) and receiving yards (210) trail those of sophomore JuJu Smith-Schuster (27, 356).

"Watch the tape," Brown said to the critics on Friday, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

"My statistics are already there. I've already done everything from a statistical point. Obviously, it's out of my control. I can't throw it to myself. But what's important is we continue to win."

The Steelers have noted that Brown continues to draw heavy double- and triple-teams, forcing quarterback Ben Roethlisberger to turn to other targets, such as Smith-Schuster.

"Right now, AB is taking the double-teams, I'm able to get my plays in," Smith-Schuster said. "When the time comes, if I get double-teamed, someone has to make those plays."