The Pittsburgh Steelers have had some issues on the offensive side of the ball over the last several years. During the 2024 season, the quarterback play was inconsistent, and the offense overall just seemed out of sync at times. In the seasons before that, the unit was being called by Matt Canada, who wound up being fired in the middle of the 2023 season. Pittsburgh has been trying to find its identity over the last several seasons on that side of the ball, and there is some room for optimism heading into 2025.
One reason to be hopeful about the offense in 2025 is that it will be the second year that Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith is implementing his system, which should mean some more success. Pittsburgh also brought in four-time league MVP Aaron Rodgers to play quarterback, and although he might be the oldest player in the league, he can still be productive. He is one of the best quarterbacks of all-time, and he knows how to use the entirety of the field, along with all of his weapons on offense.
Steelers' Calvin Austin III Looks To Take Another Step Forward In 2025
Wide receiver Calvin Austin III recently went on Action News 5 in Memphis, and he spoke about his first interaction with the veteran quarterback.
"The first time I met him, one of the first things he said was about my speed," Austin said. "Obviously, that's my main thing. It's something that got me to the point I'm at today. But one of the other things he was talking about was me going over the middle to make those tough catches. That was something that I really worked on last year and wanted to show that I'm not just a straight down-the-feld speed guy."
A main criticism of the offense in Pittsburgh over the last several years was the lack of throws to the middle of the field. This is clearly the most dangerous part of the field to pass, but when schemed up correctly, it can go well. Rodgers does a great job of using the entire field, and Smith seemed to use it more in his offense than Canada ever did. It seems as though Austin takes pride in being the guy that can go over the middle and get the ball, which means the offense is taking a step in the right direction as a whole.
Austin came into the league as a smaller receiver, who was known for his speed and his abilities as a return man. He has excelled in both of those areas, but he has also broken out as a fairly reliable wide receiver as well. He made plenty of catches down the field in 2024, he caught balls over defenders, and he took a decent amount of contact. He spoke about his game as a whole, and where he feels he is best.
"Tough third downs, across the middle, I'm the guy that can make those catches and show up in those big, crucial moments," Austin explained. "That's where you earn your stripes. That's where you earn the respect of your quarterback, the team, the coaches, when you make those catches."
Going over the middle against an NFL defense is certainly scary, especially at Austin's size. However, if he is able to use his quickness to make just one defender miss, he could be off to the races on any given play.
After Austin revealed part of his conversation with Rodgers, it is probably safe to say the veteran will be looking for him over the middle of the field quite a bit.
