A Frustrated Steelers' Aaron Rodgers Sends Direct Message To Calvin Austin

The Pittsburgh Steelers followed up an elite offensive showing in Week 1 with an underwhelming performance against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 2. Four-time MVP and future Hall of Fame quarterback, Aaron Rodgers was credited with 203 yards and a touchdown while throwing two interceptions throughout the course of the game. Rodgers looked like a completely different version of himself in Sunday's matchup, opposed to Week 1 as the Steelers' offense struggled against an injury-riddled Seahawks defense.

DK Metcalf struggled against his former team in Week 2. The former Seahawk grabbed three out of six targets for 20 yards and a touchdown, but the elite receiver was nonexistent for a large portion of the afternoon. Calvin Austin lll was unable to build upon his Week 1 performance as well, as he caught just one pass for a total of 22 yards with arguably one of his biggest errors on the night coming on a poorly ran route in the back of the end zone.

Rodgers took a moment to speak about Austin's critical error after the game, as the legendary quarterback claims the young receiver should have done a better job at staying in the flat.

"Cal is the best kid ever, but he probably should have just stayed in the flat there," Rodgers stated. "He knows it. Or he was kind of stealing it from Pat [Freiermuth] or just trying to catch it, put it away, score a touchdown."

Rodgers continued to speak about Austin personally, where the veteran quarterback claims the entire situation is unfortunate because of how good a person Austin truly is.

"But Cal's the best kid and it sucks because he's such a great kid, but unfortunately, that whole sequence took points off the board."

Austin looked nothing short of a solid wide receiver two (WR2) in Week 1 against the New York Jets. The talented play-maker was credited with 70 yards and a touchdown on four receptions. Austin's mental error in the back of the end zone is extremely unfortunate for both himself and Rodgers as the miscommunication more than likely took a touchdown away from Pat Freiermuth.

Both Metcalf and Austin will need to play at a higher level in Week 3 against the New England Patriots. Each player is capable of making big plays at any moment as both receivers are crucial components on the Steelers' offensive unit. Metcalf and Austin will look to bounce back next Sunday as Pittsburgh's passing game as a whole will need to get back on track as soon as possible.

Steelers' Calvin Austin lll Could Bounce Back Strong In Week 3 Against New England

Austin's performance against the Seahawks is certainly one that many Steelers fans want to forget. The young receiver could be in position for an elite performance in Week 3, as Pittsburgh will be on the road in New England to face the Patriots on Sunday afternoon. Rodgers will play a crucial role in Austin's performance as well, as the veteran quarterback will need to play at a higher level in order for the unit to succeed as a whole.

Austin will benefit from playing behind Metcalf in New England. The Patriots' secondary has elite talent in Christian Gonzalez and veteran cornerback Carlton Davis, but with Jabrill Peppers no longer in the picture, Austin may find himself having an excellent performance in Week 3. 

As mentioned, Rodgers voiced his frustration towards Austin following the Steelers' Week 2 loss. The young receiver made a critical error in the back of the end zone that cost Freiermuth a touchdown, but Austin is still an extremely talented young player that can quickly get back on track in Week 3. Pittsburgh will be on the road once again to face the Patriots this weekend, where Austin will look to mimic his impressive Week 1 performance.

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