The Pittsburgh Steelers' offense finally saw production outside of George Pickens in their 20-10 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. Scotty Miller and Calvin Austin III had to step up as the Steelers were only dressing four total receivers for Week 3. Both Austin and Miller made big plays to help keep the team's undefeated record alive. Austin's performance could put him into the second wide receiver spot, where the coaching staff had hoped to see Van Jefferson excel there.
AP Photo / Ron Schwane
Steelers' Calvin Austin III runs away from Browns player.
Justin Fields, who had his best game in a Steelers jersey, couldn't stop praising Miller and Austin to the media after the game, saying that the duo stepped up big in the Steelers' win. The Steelers have been waiting for someone else to step up with Pickens in the wide receivers' room and it finally happened in a Week 3 win.
"Those guys definitely stepped up today," Fields said. "You know, Calvin doing everything on offense and special teams as well, and then Scotty too, I don't think he played last week, so just coming in, he had a big third down conversion for us, broken tackle with some yards. They both played great today."
Austin finished the game with four receptions for 95 yards and a touchdown that sealed the game for the Steelers, while Miller made two big grabs for 31 yards. In the first two weeks, it was Pickens and Pat Freiermuth having to make the plays in the receiving game. Austin, who is known for his speed and ability to gain yards after the catch, will surely want to continue to build off the game, and solidify himself a bigger role in this offense as the season continues.
Jefferson had another disappointing day on the field, not even registering a target. He was looked as the lock for the wide receiver two position heading into the season, but through three games, has only three catches for 15 yards. That is not the stat line that anyone would consider as second wide receiver quality. Now, after a stellar performance by Austin, and the Steelers' third-round pick Roman Wilson soon to make his debut, Jefferson's opportunities on the field will most likely dwindle.
Karl Rose / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' WR Van Jefferson attempting to make a catch on a pass interference call in Week 2 of 2024.
The Steelers have faced criticism from many fans for their lack of scoring and not actively searching for a wide receiver to add to the current core. The staff had faith that it had a receiver that could become a reliable second option next to Pickens. Now that someone else was making plays not named Pickens, fans should start to feel a bit better about the state of the receiver room, especially with the debut of their rookie soon.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Calvin Austin running in the open field.
The Steelers have been waiting for Austin to become a difference-maker after a tough season in 2023. The speedster had just 17 catches for 180 yards and one touchdown in 17 games played. The Steelers' wide receiver coach, Zach Azzanni, spoke very highly throughout the offseason about Austin, especially about his work ethic and seeing his growth in such a short amount of time. Already this season, he has six catches for 108 yards and a touchdown in three games.
Steelers' Wide Receivers Not Named Pickens Are Finally Stepping Up
The Steelers' offense has shown growth week to week. Austin's big game is another step forward for the offense as it continues to hold the top spot in the AFC North. Pittsburgh will once again be on the road for Week 4 as they play the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.
Austin will want to prove to the staff that this wasn't a one-game fluke and show that he can be the number two receiver that they need. For Jefferson, with another sad performance, he could see less snaps in Indianapolis as others are stepping up and a healthy Wilson itching to get onto the field.
Will Austin have another big performance in Week 4? Is Jefferson officially out of the question for the Steelers' wide receiver two? Let us know what you think in the comments.
#SteelerNation
