Antonio Brown has said that the Pittsburgh Steelers made "great strides" during the 2013 NFL season.

The AFC North side recovered from an 0-4 start to the season to narrowly miss out on a place in the post-season.

The wide receiver told the team's website: "We made some great strides. Over the course of adversity we didn't put our heads down or dwell on what people were saying. We continued to be an offense on the rise, continued to get better. It's going to be great to build on that this off-season.

"As an individual you always think about what you could have done better, you weigh in on it and how you could get better for this year. It's always a challenge and you know your game has to be at a high level.

"It's motivating to set the standard up. You always want to be better than those that came before you. I acknowledge the ones that came before me and understand the legacy. I know every year I am here I am challenging myself to make a mark. I am here to lay the foundation of who I am and what I stood for. Hopefully whoever comes behind me will do the same."

Brown finished the season with 1,499 receiving yards and eight touchdowns.