Steelers WR Ben Skowronek's Compliment Triggered An Aggressive Response From Browns' Kadarius Toney For A Penalty

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been winning as a team all season. That team mentality has gotten them to 10-3 and first place in the AFC North. It has been evident every week as Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith and quarterback Russell Wilson have spread the ball around. Several players have been getting more opportunities, especially with George Pickens out against the Cleveland Browns with a hamstring injury. That included receiver Ben Skowronek, who has not heard his name called much this season, but he got more attention during the Browns game. Not all of it good. 

Skowronek was the Los Angeles Rams' seventh-round draft pick in 2021. The Steelers picked him up at the end of August. He played in the first two games of the season before injuring his shoulder and being placed on injured reserve. Skowronek returned to the team in November and has proven himself a valuable blocker. He is understandably excited about seeing some more playing time, even on special teams. 

During the win over the Browns, the ball ultimately ended up in Skowronek's hands as he recovered a muffed punt by Cleveland returner Kadarius Toney. Another class of 2021 draftee, Toney, earlier tossed the ball at Skowronek after a fair catch. He gave the Steelers a nice 15-yard holiday gift for his taunting. According to Brian Batko from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, it confused Skowronek, who said he was genuinely trying to be nice to his fellow receiver.  

"That was weird, I gave him a compliment," Skowronek told Batko. "I think he's a h**l of a returner, h**l of a player. I told him that, then I turned around and get the ball thrown at me. But on the one at the end, [Mike] Tomlin all game was like, 'Hey, man, be ready if he muffs it.' I think Coach T spoke that one into existence."

This isn't the first time Tomlin has spoken something into existence. In the first episode of the AFC North Hard Knocks, everyone saw Head Coach Mike Tomlin plant a seed in linebacker Nick Herbig's head and then water it all week. He said they brought in Orlando Brown just because the Steelers beat the previous linemen. He said he would beat Brown with his exceptional speed and get to quarterback Joe Burrow. Then, just as if Tomlin had scripted it, it happened.  

Now, Skowronek is showing that when he is needed, he can step up and make things happen. His irritation at Toney's disrespect, how Tomlin helped him speak something good into existence, and how he takes advantage of his opportunities all strengthen this offense heading into a difficult stretch of games.

Steelers' Ben Skowronek Slowly Proving Himself

Since returning from his injury, Skowronek has been keeping his head down and doing the dirty work that the offense needs him to do. He has been quietly surprising many with his blocking on offense, but he is finally getting a chance to have a more visual impact.   

Skowronek joins a cast of other receivers hoping to get more targets with Pickens out - including Van Jefferson, Scotty Miller, and Mike Williams. With Pat Freiermuth stepping up as the number one target, those other players have to step up and fill the tight end's normal spot.

Unfortunately, Skowronek didn't get a big shot on offense in Week 14. He was the only active wide receiver who didn't catch a pass. Even Williams had a huge, over-the-shoulder, 22-yard reception that helped the Steelers stay on the field.  

However, Skowronek is slowly showing Smith that he can be a part of this offense and that he is hungry. Between the heads-up play recovering the muffed punt and the 23-yard reception he had in the Week 13 win over the Bengals, which ultimately led to a Freiermuth touchdown, Skowronek is making contributions. 

What do you make of Toney's strange reaction to Skowronek? Click to comment below. 

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