PITTSBURGH -- Antonio Brown picks his spots when it comes to verbal jabs. Save a few missives directed at Vontaze Burfict, Brown generally stays respectful.

When it comes to a matchup with Redskins cornerback Josh Norman on Monday Night Football, Brown stuck to the script.

Norman, who became the richest cornerback in the league after signing a five-year deal with the Washington Redskins this offseason, never backs down from a verbal confrontation, most famously scrapping with New York Giants receiver Odell Beckham Jr. last year.

Norman is expected to shadow Brown on occasion, according to ESPN's John Keim.

"However they want to line up, I'm ready for the challenge," Brown said.

Asked when was the last time a cornerback followed him for an entire game -- presumably Denver's Chris Harris in Week 15 last season -- Brown joked, "A lot of people follow me on Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat."

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said he's prepared for potential "mind games" between Brown and Norman and is prepared to warn Brown to keep "a level head."

Brown believes it's a cornerback's job to get in his head -- or rather, "try" to get into his head, he said.

Brown isn't looking for a fight, but he won't back down from the physicality that Monday night might present, no matter who is guarding him.

"I'm a professional football player," Brown said. "I'm not a fighter. We have equipment. Our job is to go out there and score touchdowns and catch the football."

The Steelers restructured Brown's contract to give him $4 million more in 2016, raising his overall earnings from $6.25 million to $10.25 million. But after making 265 catches in two seasons, Brown is starting the reception tally at zero.

"You're either growing or you're getting worse," Brown said. "Last year is the past. Only thing that matters is what you do now."