JuJu Smith-Schuster Fires Back at Antonio Brown After WR Ripped Him for Fumble
Apr 7, 2019
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) taks with wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) on the sideline during the second half of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers in Pittsburgh, Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
Antonio Brown got out of Pittsburgh, but he's not done throwing shade at his former Steelers teammates.
Brown took to Twitter on Sunday and laid the blame for the Steelers missing the 2018 playoffs on JuJu Smith-Schuster:
Emotion: boy fumbled the whole post season in the biggest game of year ! Everyone went blind to busy making guys famous not enough reality these days ! 🤙🏾 by the way check the list https://t.co/2SWWT8k0jx
To be fair, Smith-Schuster agrees with Brown's sentiment and said so himself. The wideout put the blame on his shoulders after he fumbled the ball away on what could have been a game-tying or game-winning drive in the Steelers' Week 16 loss to the New Orleans Saints:
When I’m at my lowest, I’m not going to hide. I’m sorry. That loss was on me. I let everyone down, it won’t happen again. pic.twitter.com/amLOGJxino
It's clear there is no love lost between the two former teammates. Smith-Schuster, while not as outwardly critical of Brown, sent a not-so-subtle jab to AB on March 10 (the day Brown was traded to the Oakland Raiders):
Mark Kaboly of The Athletic noted that Brown was irate on the sidelines following the play in Smith-Schuster's tweet because he thought the ball should have gone in his direction.
Fantasy Football 2019: Updated Rankings After Early Free-Agency Signings
Mar 15, 2019
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs for a 78-yard touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
The fantasy football landscape is changing by the second.
The speed of 2019 NFL free agency is making it feel that way, at least.
There's been a flurry of activity to kick off the new league year. Antonio Brown is in Oakland. Odell Beckham Jr. is in Cleveland. Le'Veon Bell is a Jet. Mark Ingram has bounced to Baltimore.
Forward-thinking fantasy owners—often the best-performing fantasy owners—are wise enough to keep up both with the movement and what that means for the next fantasy season.
We'll help process all the action here by laying out our updated top 50 for 2019, then we'll highlight the fantasy fallout of two major moves.
While Beckham's fantasy stock has been lofty for a while now—he's had at least 1,052 receiving yards and six touchdowns in four of his five NFL seasons—a move to Cleveland should boost it even higher.
The biggest upgrade for OBJ is the quarterback switch from Eli Manning to Baker Mayfield. In 2018, Mayfield bettered Manning in passing touchdowns (27 to 21) and nearly matched him in yardage (3,725 to 4,299) despite starting three fewer games. Mayfield's ability to extend plays and willingness to take shots should make Beckham an even more dynamic option on the outside.
"Only six quarterbacks had more than 1,000 passing yards on targets traveling at least 20 yards in the air last season. Mayfield was one of them," Jeff Ratcliffe wrote for Pro Football Focus. "For fantasy purposes, that stat translates to big-play upside for Beckham."
Mayfield's stock also rises with Beckham's arrival, although Jarvis Landry's dips a bit given a likely reduction in targets. It will be interesting, though, to see what this means for David Njoku and Bradley Chubb, who could also see a drop in opportunities but should have more room to work with given the attention Beckham will command.
Back in New York, this doesn't help the sinking ship that is Manning. But it will ensure Saquon Barkley is even more involved, and Sterling Shepard should increase his output even with the addition of Golden Tate.
Antonio Brown Trade
Brown has been an elite fantasy option for years. Even in a distraction-filled 2018 season, he still produced 104 receptions for 1,297 yards and a league-best 15 touchdowns.
While we still consider Brown a top-20 fantasy option, cracking the top 10 looks a lot tougher in Oakland.
Looking at the 2018 numbers, there's no comparison between the Raiders' passing attack and that of the Steelers. Pittsburgh finished second in passing yards (5,008) and tied for fifth in passing touchdowns (35). Oakland, meanwhile, was 18th in yardage (3,751) and tied for 24th in scores (19).
Granted, the Raiders should see a spike from Brown's arrival, and they'll be sure to give him all he can handle. But even if Derek Carr places close to Ben Roethlisberger's level (at least in terms of efficiency), Brown won't have the same protection.
In Pittsburgh, he had another elite wideout (Smith-Schuster) and dominant running back (first Bell, then Conner); in Oakland, he doesn't seem to have either.
"The best way to view Brown is as a low-end No. 1 receiver worth drafting in Round 2," CBS Sports' Jamey Eisenberg wrote. "He's no longer a top-five Fantasy receiver coming into this season, and he could easily be considered a bust candidate."
Landing in Oakland is better for Brown than, say, going to Buffalo or Washington. Still, this is a step back from Pittsburgh.
This makes Carr a more reasonable fantasy option, although he's probably somewhere between a backup and a streamer. It might also give Tyrell Williams some extra chances to stretch the field with all the defensive attention Brown will get.
As for the Steelers, this puts Smith-Schuster on the doorstep of elite No. 1 receiver territory. He already put himself in that conversation last year (111 catches for 1,426 yards and seven scores), and he could have even more passes headed his way in the next. This might also make sophomore receiver James Washington a sneaky-good sleeper depending on the rest of Pittsburgh's offseason.
Roethlisberger comes out of this as the big fantasy loser. He's the last of the Killer B's left standing, and while there might be less drama around him, there will also be less talent. With Brown, Bell and tight end Jesse James out of the picture, Roethlisberger may not have the weapons to retain No. 1 quarterback status in the fantasy realm.
Antonio Brown on Future: It Doesn't Matter Where I Play; 'I Just Want to Win'
Feb 1, 2019
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown stands a long the sideline in street clothes before an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown offered vague insight into what he hopes to achieve on the football field in the future.
During the EA Sports Bowl as part of Super Bowl festivities in Atlanta, Brown had a five-word reply when asked what he wants:
Brown's future has been a source of speculation since he was made inactive for Pittsburgh's Week 17 game against the Cincinnati Bengals following aheated argumentearlier in the week with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.
Per CBS Sports'Jason LaCanfora, Brown requested a trade after having issues with Roethlisberger and head coach Mike Tomlin.
Steelers President Art Rooney II addressed the possibility of Brown's return to the team in 2019 during aconference call on Jan. 23.
"There are a lot of factors we have to take into account on it," Rooney said. "We'd have to sit down with Antonio and understand where he is and make sure he understands where we are. There is some work to do before we figure that out."
Brown, 30, is under contract through 2021 and will make $12.625 million inbase salary with a $22.165 million cap hit next season. He was named to the Pro Bowl for the seventh time in 2018 after recording 1,297 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns on 104 receptions.
Juju Smith-Schuster on AB, Bell: Steelers Need to 'Stop Being the Kardashians'
Jan 31, 2019
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) heads to the end zone for a touchdown after making a catch against the Cincinnati Bengals in the third quarter of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018, in Pittsburgh. Driskel recovered the fumble. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Drama has engulfed the Steelers since last March, when they gave Le'Veon Bell the franchise tag for the second straight season. The two-time first-team All-Pro running back refused to sign his one-year tender and wound up sitting out the entire 2018 campaign.
Star wide receiver Antonio Brown's season also came to an early end when he was inactive in Week 17 against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Per Gerry Dulac and Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Brown was involved in a dispute with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in the week leading up to the season finale. He reportedly left Heinz Field at halftime against the Bengals.
Despite all of the drama surrounding the Steelers this season, they still went 9-6-1 and weren't eliminated from the playoff race until the Baltimore Ravens' Week 17 win over the Cleveland Browns.
Imagine what the Steelers will be able to accomplish in 2019 if they can put aside all of their differences.
JuJu Smith-Schuster on Antonio Brown, Le'Veon Bell Saga: 'Stop All the Bulls--t'
Jan 30, 2019
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) taks with wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) on the sideline during the second half of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers in Pittsburgh, Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster wants the team to get past the drama involving Antonio Brown and Le'Veon Bell that followed the Steelers throughout last season.
Speaking to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport on the podcast RapSheet and Friends (h/t ProFootballTalk's Josh Alper), Smith-Schuster said he wants the Steelers to find a way to work things out with Brown and Bell for 2019:
"In my dream world ... I would have Le'Veon Bell as the running back with James Conner. I'd have AB stay on the other side. We'd win the Super Bowl with the guys that we have, the guys that we keep. Obviously it's tough, situations like where you can't control—Art Rooney and Mike Tomlin with that situation. For me, it's more so like, let's keep the guys on the team and win the Super Bowl. Let's stop all the bulls--t."
The Steelers' issues with Bell and Brown served as bookends to their disappointing 9-6-1 season that resulted in their missing the playoffs for the first time since 2013.
Bell didn't play in 2018 after being designated with the franchise tag for the second consecutive season. Offensive lineman Ramon Foster expressed his frustration with his teammate in September.
"What do you do? Here's a guy who doesn't give a damn, I guess, so we'll treat it as such," Fostertold reporters. "I just hate it came to this."
Brown was inactive for Pittsburgh's must-win Week 17 game against the Cincinnati Bengals. CBS Sports'Jason La Canforareported there was an altercation between Brown and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, leading the All-Pro receiver to go "AWOL essentially for the third time this season dating back to training camp."
Steelers president Art Rooney IItold reportersJan. 16 that he's open to Brown's return, but there are "not that many signs out there that that's going to happen."
Brown issignedfor three more years, and his cap number rises from about $8 million this season to $22.2 million in 2019. He remains one of the NFL's most productive receivers with 1,297 yards and 15 touchdowns on 104 receptions in 2018.
Pro Bowl 2019: AFC, NFC Rosters, TV Schedule and More for Annual Game
Jan 24, 2019
AFC quarterback Andrew Luck #12 is seen at the Pro Bowl Skills Challenge, Wednesday, January 23, 2019, in Kissimmee, FL. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
Super Bowl LIII is still more than a week away, and there is no meaningful NFL action this week. However, that doesn't mean the league isn't giving fans a little something to tide them over. Sunday brings us the 2019 Pro Bowl, and one final chance to see some of our favorite stars in action.
We say "some" because, naturally, not everyone is going to be there. Plenty of players have pulled out for injuries or other personal reasons, and members of the New England Patriots and Los Angeles Rams are busy getting ready for something a little bigger.
Several standout pros from each conference will be on hand, though, and we have the full list here—along with everything else you need to know to enjoy the game.
2019 NFL Pro Bowl
Who: AFC vs. NFC
Where: Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Florida
When: Sunday, January 27 at 3 p.m. ET
National TV and Live Stream: ESPN, ABC and WatchESPN
Tickets: StubHub
Skills Challenge
While the Pro Bowl game itself won't be played until Sunday, fans have another event to enjoy on Thursday—the Pro Bowl Skills Challenge.
Teams from each conference will compete in a series of five events: the 40-Yard Splash, Gridiron Gauntlet, Best Hands, Precision Passing and Epic Pro Bowl Dodgeball.
While the passing, hands and dodgeball competitions are fairly self-explanatory, the gauntlet and splash competitions are a bit different. The splash competition involves filling up a tank and dunking opposing players, while the gauntlet is a five-man relay race around an obstacle course.
While the skills challenge actually took place on Wednesday, it will be televised on Thursday evening.
2019 Pro Bowl Skills Challenge TV Information
Date: Thursday, Jan. 24
Time: 9 p.m. ET
TV and Live Stream: ESPN and WatchESPN
Fan Events
While players may not love the fact the Pro Bowl takes place in Orlando, Florida, instead of Hawaii this year, this does make things a bit easier for fans who wish to be a part of the action.
"Obviously with our corporate footprint, I think it's a terrific place to have it," ESPN VP of programming Scott Guglielmino said, per Hal Boedeker of the Orlando Sentinel. "With ESPN Wide of World of Sports down there as well, it’s been a great partnership with Orlando the city as well as throughout the Disney company."
Even with the skills competition in the rear view for local fans, there is still a wide variety of events to attend.
The Pro Bowl Experience takes place daily, there is a band exhibition on Thursday night, and Friday features the Play Football Celebrity Flag Game. The semifinals and championship take place on Saturday as well, with Pro Bowl players serving as honorary captains.
A full list of the fan-centric events can be viewed here.
Pro Bowl Practices
Fans in the area can also attend the AFC and NFC practices, but they will need to register for a pass through either the Fan Mobile Pass app or ProBowl.com.
The AFC will practice on Field 7 of the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, while the NFC will be on Field 16. Final practices for both squads will take place on Thursday and Friday mornings.
Pro Bowl 2019: AFC and NFC Starters, Full Rosters and Predictions
Jan 23, 2019
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) heads to the end zone for a touchdown after making a catch against the Cincinnati Bengals in the third quarter of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018, in Pittsburgh. Driskel recovered the fumble. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
The latest alterations to the 2019 NFL Pro Bowl rosters were made Tuesday, with another replacement named for a Super Bowl participant.
Alvin Kamara of the New Orleans Saints replaced Todd Gurley of the Los Angeles Rams at running back on the NFC roster, joining five other replacements for members of the Rams and New England Patriots.
Barring any late injuries suffered in Pro Bowl practice or last-minute decisions to opt out, the rosters for Sunday's exhibition at Camping World Stadium in Orlando are set.
The AFC will be coached by the staff of the Los Angeles Chargers, while Jason Garrett and the Dallas Cowboys coaches lead the NFC squad.
The updated list of Pro Bowl rosters, with starters included, can be found on the NFL's league website.
Predictions
Smith-Schuster Puts On A Show
Pittsburgh Steelers fans need something to smile about entering the long offseason.
Wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, who replaced teammate Antonio Brown on the AFC roster, will provide a glimmer of hope that 2019 will be better in the Steel City by producing one of the top receiving totals Sunday.
The second-year receiver is coming off a regular season in which he recorded eight 100-yard receiving performances, with four of them coming after Week 10.
PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 30: JuJu Smith-Schuster #19 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after a 11 yard touchdown reception in the third quarter during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Heinz Field on December 30, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
During his short time in the NFL, the USC product has displayed an ability to get open all across the field, and that's a quality each of the AFC quarterbacks will try to take advantage of at the Pro Bowl.
Smith-Schuster could be particularly dangerous on deep routes, as he'll be working with Patrick Mahomes and Deshaun Watson, who both are capable of launching the ball down the gridiron with ease.
When Andrew Luck is under center, Smith-Schuster should have more success on shorter routes that keep drives alive for the AFC.
At minimum, Smith-Schuster should receive five targets, but that number should be higher given his explosiveness.
If he plays up to his potential Sunday, Smith-Schuster will provide some joy to Pittsburgh fans, who have suffered through the Le'Veon Bell and Antonio Brown sagas over the last few months.
Barkley Concludes Impressive Rookie Season With Standout Performance
Saquon Barkley put up ridiculous numbers in the second half of his rookie season with the New York Giants.
Five of Barkley's seven 100-yard rushing games occurred after Week 10, and it's because of that form that we believe the rookie out of Penn State will be successful in his first Pro Bowl.
Barkley's inclusion on the NFC roster when it was originally released is a testament to the respect he's gained in such a short time.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 23: Saquon Barkley #26 of the New York Giants runs for a one-yard touchdown during the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Colts won 28-27. (Photo by Joe R
Since the NFC is loaded with talented running backs, Barkley could've been left off in favor of a more experienced player, but instead, he joined Gurley and Ezekiel Elliott on the original roster.
Even though he's going to split carries with Elliott and Kamara, Barkley is the freshest option out of the backfield for the NFC since he last played in Week 17.
With Elliott and Kamara still recovering from playoff games, Barkley takes advantage of his opportunity and comes close to hitting triple digits on the ground.
Recording such a high mark in an exhibition is tough because coaches usually try to manage the snaps of every player, but Barkley will develop a rhythm that forces Garrett to keep him in the game.
By putting up impressive numbers at his first-ever Pro Bowl, the favorite to win Offensive Rookie of the Year will throw himself into contention for the Pro Bowl Offensive MVP.
JuJu Smith-Schuster Replaces Antonio Brown in 2019 Pro Bowl Because of Injury
Jan 7, 2019
PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 16: Antonio Brown #84 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates with JuJu Smith-Schuster #19 after a 17 yard touchdown reception in the first quarter during the game against the New England Patriots at Heinz Field on December 16, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster is replacing injured teammate Antonio Brown on the 2019 Pro Bowl roster, according to Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Smith-Schuster showed his excitement on Twitter:
What a blessing! To think how far I’ve come from where I started... Dreamed about playing in this game, and it’s a huge honor to be recognized in this way, thank you!! It’s littttyyy!!! 🔥💫 pic.twitter.com/lDmeMOZ8Bh
The second-year player led the Steelers with 111 catches and 1,426 receiving yards this season, adding seven touchdowns.
He ranked fifth in the NFL in receiving yards and tied for sixth in catches during his breakout 2018 season.
While the Pro Bowl nod is well-deserved for Smith-Schuster, there are several questions surrounding his teammate.
Brown missed the team's Week 17 game against the Cincinnati Bengals with what was called a knee issue on the injury report, but Gerry Dulac and Ed Bouchetteof thePittsburgh Post-Gazettereported that his absence had nothing to do with his health.
The receiver reportedly sat out practice during the week after a confrontation with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.
Jason La Canforaof CBS Sports reported the veteran requested a trade.
Without the Pro Bowl, Brown likely won't have to make a public appearance or answer questions until at least training camp. Based on the news over the past couple of weeks, he might have already worn a Steelers helmet for the last time.
