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Antonio Brown Succeeding In Versatile Role For Steelers

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GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 23: Wide receiver Antonio Brown #84 of the Pittsburgh Steelers makes a one handed catch on a 13 yard reception against the Arizona Cardinals during the third quarter of the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 23, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. The Steelers defeated the Cardinals 32-20. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

One often-mentioned aspect of Pittsburgh's 34-20 win at Arizona in Week 7 is second-year WR Antonio Brown's 103 yards receiving - second-highest on the team. 

What hasn't been mentioned much, in this game and on the season, is the impact Brown is making overall. 

Combining receiving yards, rushing yards and punt and kick returns, Brown has 953 total yards gained this season, but the flashes of brilliance he's showing - in particular, the catch pictured above, as well as several nearly-broken returns he's had in seven games - is part of Pittsburgh's offensive resurgence since they scored 10 points in a Week 4 loss at Houston. 

It certainly wasn't the best throw of the day for QB Ben Roethlisberger, and Brown may not have Calvin Johnson's wingspan, but good things happen when Brown is targeted. 

Those targets are coming plenty often as well. While Mike Wallace leads the team with 51, Brown is a surprising second, just three behind Wallace at 48. Brown was targeted a team-high nine times against Arizona. 

To put it into context, Hines Ward and Heath Miller have 39 and 31, respectively, for third and fourth on the team.

It'll be important for New England to remember No. 84 in Week 8, considering the Patriots have given up the most passing plays of 20 yards or more (37) and are 25th in passer rating against (92.0).  

                                                                                                                                                                                                               

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