It was back to school this week for Landry Jones and Antonio Brown. Their most important subject was chemistry class.
When Jones and Brown played together last season when Ben Roethlisberger missed games due to injuries, the results didn't stand up to the production Brown normally has.
In the three games Roethlisberger did not start last season, against the Ravens, Cardinals and Chiefs, Brown had just 14 receptions for 190 yards and no touchdowns. Brown has eclipsed that yardage total in one game with Roethlisberger more than once.
When Brown gestured wildly on the field after Jones threw an errant pass at his feet against the Cardinals, tight end Heath Miller had to tell Brown not to show up his quarterback.
The Steelers are hoping any gestures on the field this time around are when Brown is in the end zone after scoring a touchdown.
"Obviously, it's frustrating not to have Ben out there, but you have to be positive and poised," Brown said after practice Friday. "We have to build Landry up. We can't be getting in his ear every play and saying 'I'm open.' Obviously, I know I'm going to draw a lot of double teams and a lot of different matchups. We have to keep him poised, create separation for him, make plays for him and keep him positive all game."
Brown said he has a "great" relationship with Jones and pointed out his pregame routine that includes catching passes from him.
"I've been working with Landry a lot," he said. "Every pregame we throw routes together, communicate a lot in the film room. We're just excited to have the opportunity to go out and play together this weekend."
