LAS VEGAS — Calvin Austin III has made a statement on Sunday Night Football. In front of a marquee crowd in Las Vegas, Austin caught a post route against the Raiders wide-open and took it 72 yards to the house. That play follows George Pickens’ 71-yard touchdown against the Browns on Monday night. Both touchdowns would have been the longest touchdown for the Steelers in 2022.
While the Steelers have vowed to run the ball against a porous Raiders front, they have seen more success from the passing game than the running game. The Raiders have keyed in on the run, sending an extra defensive back down into the box to stop them. So, Pittsburgh went over the top against single-high, put the safety in conflict, and he could not catch up to Austin, who stemmed his pot route away from him.
The Steelers will look to get their offense moving consistently, as one explosive play per game will not cut it. But those plays in conjunction with a consistent rushing attack and passing game, really either or would allow the offense to become an above-average unit. But for right now, the group is still struggling, but Calvin Austin has proven himself as a valuable member of the wide receiver room.
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