Steelers' Calvin Austin Detailed Big Offensive Improvements That Will Make Fans Happy

The Pittsburgh Steelers' offense continues to be falling behind the rest of the elite NFL teams. The unit hasn’t been good for several seasons, and in 2024, with new Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith, there was serious hope it would improve. While the unit showed flashes of potential throughout the season, it ultimately failed to inspire much confidence in the fan base or produce consistently impressive stats.

A major point of frustration for Steelers fans has been the lack of throws over the middle of the field. Head Coach Mike Tomlin has acknowledged the risks that come with targeting that area, such as turnovers, but avoiding it entirely has led to an offense that often looks predictable and stagnant. Critics argue that playing too safe has kept the Steelers from competing offensively with top-tier teams.

When wide receiver Calvin Austin III spoke to the media on Wednesday, he was asked whether the Steelers would change that approach in 2025. Austin expressed confidence that Smith plans to emphasize the middle of the field more in the upcoming season. According to him, the coaching staff recognizes what’s been missing and is making the necessary adjustments to give the offense a new dimension and keep defenses guessing.

"Yeah, and you know Coach Smith does a great job you know in the offseason evaluating not just what we do, but what other teams do," Austin said. "But also our personnel to try and find out what we can do better to maximize the talent and the gift of this team."

Many Steelers fans grew increasingly frustrated with Smith as the 2024 season drew to a close. They felt the offense lacked productivity and that the play-calling was overly predictable, a disappointing trend that felt all too familiar from the previous regime before Smith took over.

Recent reports suggest that Tomlin may have been limiting Smith’s play-calling freedom, which could explain why there was not a significant shift or many noticeable improvements on offense. Despite that, Austin is confident that in 2025, Smith will have more control and will implement the changes that the fan base has been eagerly demanding.

"We have talked very openly in offensive unit meetings about the things we did last year and the things we didn’t do last year," Austin said. "And some of the other things we want to incorporate because of the skills we have."

Using the middle of the field is a double-edged sword. Steeler Nation understandably does not want to see their offense turn the ball over, and Tomlin has valid reasons for limiting those risky throws to protect possession. However, many argue that protecting the football means little if the offense cannot consistently move the chains and sustain drives.

To improve, the Steelers need to execute better in short-yardage situations and become less predictable overall. Incorporating more crossing routes and targeting the middle of the field more often could be key steps toward achieving that. 

Steelers Getting Aaron Rodgers Would Fix This Issue Quickly

Ultimately, Tomlin sees this as a personnel issue because trust in the quarterback is crucial. If a veteran like Aaron Rodgers were to join the Steelers in 2025, those middle-of-the-field throws would likely increase since Tomlin would have the confidence to allow more aggressive play-calling. Rodgers hasn't made his intentions known, but all signs still seem to point to him joining the Steelers at some point in the summer.

The coming offseason and 2025 campaign will be pivotal for the Steelers’ offense. With adjustments in strategy, potential changes in personnel, and Smith’s evolving role as offensive coordinator, Steelers fans have reason to hope for a more dynamic and effective offense that can finally compete with the league’s best, if Rodgers comes. If he doesn't, then it will be very interesting to watch and see how much trust Tomlin actually has in Mason Rudolph.

#SteelerNation