Ben Roethlisberger wants Martavis Bryant to step it up for the playoffs after a couple of quiet games to end the regular season. Bryant understands the challenge and fully accepts it.
Bryant caught one pass in each of Pittsburgh’s last two games for a total of six yards. He last caught a touchdown five games ago. If the Steelers are going to leave Cincinnati with a win on Saturday, more production than that from Bryant would certainly be welcomed.
Roethlisberger said during a radio interview on Tuesday Bryant needed to “toughen up” and find ways to make plays to help the team. On Wednesday, Bryant responded.
“It was good for him to challenge me, and I’m going to accept it,” Bryant said, via the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “He’s the leader of the team. If he feels like you need to step up your game, it’s his job to call you out. I’m happy he did it. He woke me up, and I’m going to get back to work.”
With DeAngelo Williams’ status in doubt for this weekend, the Steelers may need to rely on the passing game more than they usually do, which is already a lot. In Antonio Brown, Markus Wheaton, and Bryant, Roethlisberger has a talented trio of targets to throw to. Brown will likely draw a ton of attention, giving Wheaton and Bryant opportunities to make plays. They just have to do so when called upon.
