Steelers' Receiving Corps Faces Scrutiny: Players Use Doubt as Fuel
The Pittsburgh Steelers' receiving corps has found itself under the microscope lately, with criticisms about their performance and talks of potentially bringing in new talent. Despite the noise, the group remains focused and driven, largely using the skepticism to fuel their motivation.
Calvin Austin III, a wide receiver for the Steelers, acknowledged the external pressure and the chatter around their performance. "We don't talk about it openly, but ... we're all human. We hear the talk and stuff. As players and competitors, we don't need any more motivation. ... But that extra stuff is a little, you know, we're competitors at the end of the day. So it's like OK, doubt me. Cool, we'll see," said Austin.
While the Steelers' management contradicts reports of active trade discussions for a new wideout, the speculation persists. General Manager Omar Khan stated that the team is not currently engaging in trade talks, but the idea hovers in the background, contributing to an environment of uncertainty and challenge for the current roster.
One player feeling the weight of these expectations is George Pickens. Known for his potential to become a top-10 or even top-five receiver, Pickens showcased his skills by turning a short completion from quarterback Justin Fields into a touchdown. However, his consistency and emotional control remain areas for improvement.
Calvin Austin, another standout in the receiving corps, is seen as a big-play threat whenever he steps onto the field. Despite only having 17 career regular season catches, Austin has demonstrated his capability to change the momentum of games, such as his 72-yard touchdown during the Steelers' Week 3 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. "That was definitely one of those moments where it was like, yeah, I'm here. This year, it's just me doing the same thing. Continuing to work, stay humble, trust the process and just let everything fall into place," Austin reflected on his performance.
Besides his receiving duties, Austin aims to make an impact on special teams. He has ambitions of reaching the Pro Bowl as a returner and hopes to build on last year's success after an injury wiped out his rookie season in 2022. He made his first career postseason touchdown catch during Pittsburgh’s loss to Buffalo in the wild card round, further proving his potential in high-stakes situations.
Van Jefferson, a Steelers' newcomer and a Super Bowl champion with the Rams in 2021, also has something to prove. He did not catch a touchdown last year and has been inconsistent, catching less than half of the targets thrown his way. However, recent practice sessions indicate promising chemistry with quarterback Justin Fields, as evidenced by a deep pass connection between the two.
Another rookie, Roman Wilson, has generated buzz with comparisons to Steelers' legend Hines Ward. Despite his potential, the challenges of being a rookie in the NFL temper expectations, as he navigates the early stages of his professional career.
Austin highlighted the importance of building chemistry, especially with the introduction of a new quarterback. "Anything you have a new quarterback, it’s going to take time to build that chemistry. But the quarterbacks have been so up-front and forthcoming in trying to build that chemistry. We trained out in San Diego with Russ a couple times and just continuing to build chemistry and those little things that coaches can't do for the players," Austin said.
The influence of Russell Wilson can't be overstated. As a seasoned Super Bowl-winning quarterback, Wilson's presence has been profoundly positive for the Steelers. "It's amazing. Obviously, somebody my age, you've seen him in the Super Bowl and has been the quarterback for some legendary teams. It's almost surreal at first. ... Russ doesn't wanna do anything but to help the team and for our personal growth, too. He's been to the top, won a Super Bowl. He's pushing you to be a better person and player," Austin shared.
Wilson’s leadership and mentorship have extended beyond basic training, fostering a culture of commitment and hard work among the receivers. The group has been putting in extra hours, determined to elevate their performance and silence their critics. With a mix of young talent and experienced players, the Steelers' receiving corps is poised to rise to the occasion, driven by doubt and inspired by the legacy they hope to continue.