Landry Jones' one complete game last season did not go particularly well. The backup completed 55.2 percent of his passes for 209 yards a touchdown, two interceptions, a 7.2 yard per attempt average and 60.8 passer rating in a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
In his appearances last year, the Steelers stripped down the playbook for Jones, wiping out much of the downfield plays. At times receivers became frustrated with Jones' accuracy troubles. After Jones had taken over versus the Arizona Cardinals, Antonio Brown threw a fit after a pass landed at his feet.
The All-Pro receiver hopes this time around things go differently.
"Obviously, it's frustrating not to have Ben out there, but you have to be positive and poised," Brown said, via the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "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."
It's not just with Jones that Brown struggles to produce. In three games Ben Roethlisberger didn't start last season, Brown earned just 14 receptions for 190 yards and zero touchdowns.
Antonio Brown with Big Ben, since 2013: 50 games, 11.0 targets per game, 8.0 receptions per game, 105.6 receiving YPG, 36 receiving TDs.
Antonio Brown without Big Ben, since 2013: 4 games, 7.8 targets per game, 4.3 receptions per game, 58.8 receiving YPG, 0 receiving TDs
In Jones' one full game versus the Chiefs, Brown did earn 124 yards on six receptions.
Brown pointed to his work with Jones as a reason for optimism this go-around.
"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."
Against a New England Patriots defense known for taking away a team's No. 1 option, Pittsburgh needs Brown to make plays for Jones in order to move the ball efficiently.
