Heath Miller to Antonio Brown: “Stop Complaining”

They say that those who speak the least often make their words count the most. Criminally underrated tight end Heath Miller has been known for years as the silent leader of the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the hulking hybrid pass catcher/blocker had some choice words for frustrated wideout Antonio Brown at practice this week.

Brown confirmed that Miller told him to “stop complaining about not getting the ball.”

Before Ben Roethlisberger’s injury, the pair enjoyed arguably the most fluid quarterback-receiver connection in the league. In 2014, each man helped the other post career-best statistics in almost every category relevant to their respective positions.

In his last game before an MCL injury in St. Louis, Roethlisberger hooked up with Brown to the tune of 196 receiving yards in Pittsburgh’s home opener.

Since Big Ben has been out, though, Brown has been growing visibly – and increasingly – frustrated with the disappointing play of his backup quarterbacks.

With Mike Vick and Landry Jones at the helm, Brown’s Madden-esque numbers have crashed back down to earth. Instead of zippy screens, acrobatic catches and reversing field in space, Brown’s weekends have been replaced with raised arms and shaken heads.

Those quick to play the “prima donna” card are likely the same people who vilify Dez Bryant for his outward showings of emotion, on display again last week in his sideline confrontation with Dallas defensive lineman Greg Hardy.

Like Bryant, Brown is not a diva, but simply plays with his heart on his sleeve because he knows he has the talent to win games all on his own, and gets understandably displeased when not given ample opportunity to flex his skills in the name of helping his team.

It may all be a moot point, however, with the Steelers treading water at 4-3 and Roethlisberger expected to start this week against the undefeated Bengals barring any freak setbacks. Still, the fact that Brown publicly acknowledged his “calling out” speaks to Miller’s leadership in challenging times. Expect the offense to return to its harmonious and productive best this Sunday.