Calvin Austin Gives Steelers Fans Big Reason To Be Optimistic: "More Touchdowns"

The Pittsburgh Steelers' offense has looked a little better in the 2025 season with Aaron Rodgers, but it’s not done enough to truly inspire confidence in this fan base. Through three games, Rodgers has completed 65.1% of his passes for 586 passing yards, seven touchdown passes, and three interceptions. 

That’s not awful, but there have been a lot of deep passes left on the field, and the offense still struggles to sustain drives consistently. The lack of a reliable third option in the receiving corps has forced Rodgers to hold onto the ball longer than ideal, giving opposing defenses a chance to apply pressure and force mistakes. While Rodgers’ experience and accuracy remain clear, the Steelers’ offensive rhythm still feels incomplete.

Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III spoke with NFL insider Judy Battista in Dublin, Ireland on Friday morning. Austin offered insight into what he believes is holding the offense back. He cited communication issues, timing between quarterbacks and receivers, and the challenge of adjusting to Rodgers’ style after years of different offensive schemes. Austin emphasized that while Rodgers brings an elite football mind to the team, the offense is still finding its identity and needs more cohesion in high-pressure situations.

"Just continue to be honed in on our details and assignments," Austin said while speaking with Battista on Friday. "When we look back at film on some of the missed opportunities, I would say it just comes down to just like one little either misstep, alignment, or just something very small. So just continuing in the midst of the game to be locked in."

Austin also highlighted the importance of developing chemistry with the other playmakers on the roster, including the running backs and tight ends. 

He acknowledged that some of the big plays Rodgers is capable of making have been missed opportunities, not because of execution issues alone, but because the offense hasn’t fully adapted to maximize his strengths. 

"I think the big plays will start to come," Austin said. "You know, I think we are right where we are supposed to be. We want to have, you know, more yards and more touchdowns of course. Even when we do get to that point we are still gonna want more and to be better. We are right where we need to be. We are having the right conversations. We have the right people in the room."

The Steelers are in a transitional phase, balancing the need to get Rodgers comfortable while also building a sustainable system that can win consistently. Austin’s comments underscore that the potential is there, but so far, the results have been mixed, leaving fans cautiously optimistic but still searching for more tangible progress.

Steelers' Calvin Austin III Has Had An Interesting 2025 Season

Austin has been a bright spot amid the Steelers’ recent struggles with drafting players. Selected in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Austin struggled to earn opportunities early in his career. He battled injuries as well, but when healthy, he has consistently made the most of his chances. He’s been the Steelers’ wide receiver two, whether fans like it or not. Through three games in 2025, Austin has amassed eight catches for 126 receiving yards and two touchdowns.

In Week 2, Austin made a costly mistake in the end zone that turned what should have been a Rodgers touchdown pass into an interception. Despite that setback, he bounced back in a big way in Week 3, hauling in a perfectly placed back-shoulder touchdown pass from Rodgers. His ability to rebound from mistakes highlights his growth, resilience, and importance to the Steelers’ offense moving forward.

How many yards of total offense are you expecting to see from the Steelers in Week 4 against the Vikings? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me.

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