After the loss of Santonio Holmes during the 2010 off-season, nobody could have ever imagined that the Steelers would be where they are today in terms of receivers. A year ago, Hines Ward was pretty much the only Steelers receiver who was known league wide. Now, Ward has even been surpassed by Mike Wallace as the number one receiver, while Emmanuel Sanders, Antonio Brown, Jerricho Cotchery, and even Arnaz Battle have slipped into the lineup.
Mike Wallace and Hines Ward will obviously remain the two primary targets; but as of right now, the third slot is still wide open.
Although second-year man Emmanuel Sanders is yet to play in this year's pre-season due to an ankle injury, he played a significant role as the Steelers third receiver last year and is expected to suit up by week one of the regular season. Antonio Brown caught only 16 passes in 9 games during his rookie campaign, but sparked in the playoffs and has made spectacular plays throughout the pre-season while filling in for Sanders. Jerricho Cotchery was signed just a few weeks ago after his departure from the Jets organization. He's a proven play-maker, and even caught a touchdown pass during last week's game against Philadelphia.
Sanders was expected to have a big year. However, with Brown practically dominating the secondary, it will be difficult to determine who exactly the Steelers third receiver will be for the September 11 season opener against the Ravens.
My pick is Antonio Brown.
Now I know that this is only pre-season, and that these games virtually amount to nothing, but throughout these past three games Ben has looked more comfortable than ever. He has thrown for 4 touchdowns, with no interceptions and has a completion percentage of 67. Three of those touchdowns have gone to Brown. Sanders will without doubt make a solid impact on this team, but he definitely has some fierce competition to deal with when he returns.
Written by Alex Muchnok
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