The Pittsburgh Steelers are riding high with a 3-0 start to the season after defeating the Los Angeles Chargers 20-10 on Sunday. While it wasn't an offensive explosion, the defense delivered a dominant second-half performance, and on the offensive side of the ball, a 55-yard touchdown pass from Justin Fields to Calvin Austin III stole the show.
Heading into the 2024 season, the offense faced several questions, particularly at wide receiver. Many experts expressed concern that, beyond George Pickens, the Steelers lacked a true number two receiver. Van Jefferson was expected to fill that role but has made little impact through three games. Austin has shown flashes of potential, and fans are eagerly awaiting the debut of rookie receiver Roman Wilson.
Steelers legend Ben Roethlisberger broke down the Week 3 game with his former center, Maurkice Pouncey on his podcast Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger. While Roethlisberger was excited by the offense's performance on Sunday, he remains concerned about the depth in the wide receiver room.
"I worry about receiver, like another guy. They need another playmaker. I know that people want to see Roman Wilson and Calvin Austin. He made a great play today and he can run, but he’s not your two."
Roethlisberger was cautious not to underestimate the potential impact Wilson could have once fully healthy. However, he knows that relying on a rookie wide receiver can be risky.
Roethlisberger believes the Steelers need another proven playmaker and feels General Manager Omar Khan should still look to bring in additional wide receiver help for the team.
"I’m not sure Roman Wilson is your needle mover. I don’t think. I don’t know. We haven’t seen it yet. Is he a number two in the NFL?"
Wilson was expected to make his debut before the Week 3 contest, but was ultimately inactive on game day. Steeler Nation eagerly awaits his first appearance, hopeful that he can bolster the wide receiver room. So far, the Steelers haven't needed much from their receivers and have still managed to win games.
As for Pickens, he’s living up to the high expectations. He’s quickly becoming a star in Pittsburgh, showing reliability and excitement. Through three games, Pickens has recorded 13 catches for 171 yards.
While his numbers aren't staggering, he's frustrating defensive backs and making clutch catches when targeted. The Steelers should continue to increase his opportunities—Pickens has proven he's nearly impossible to cover.
Austin entered the 2024 season with plenty of questions about his potential, especially after a quiet 2023 campaign. Many believed he’d have a great opportunity this year, and he made the most of it on Sunday, hauling in four passes for 95 yards, including a crucial touchdown.
Jefferson, sidelined for much of the game due to an eye injury, has had a slow start to the season with just three catches for 15 yards. Many believed that Jefferson could produce as the second receiver, but that hasn't been true just yet. There's still hope that Jefferson can get going.
Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger Not Fully Confident In The WR Room
The Steelers’ wide receiver corps is full of players trying to prove themselves, but Roethlisberger believes the team can’t afford to waste such a strong defense. He would love to see the Steelers bring in additional help at receiver to solidify a true number two option behind Pickens.
With or without help at wide receiver, the Steelers have a winning formula. The Steelers will look to continue their winning streak and beat the Indianapolis Colts in Week 4.
