The Pittsburgh Steelers offense struggled immensely throughout the 2022 campaign. They failed to generate big plays, and the passing game missed one specific dynamic: a deep play threat. Their three 40+ yard plays in the passing game was tied for the worst in the NFL. Wideout Diontae Johnson is known more for his separation abilities than his downfield speed. George Pickens averaged 15.4 yards per catch as a rookie, but he's more of a jump ball threat than a speedster.
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Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (#18) looks on at 2022 training camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
The offense simply needed more speed at the wide receiver position. Calvin Austin III was supposed to bring just that, but he was forced to miss the whole 2022 season due to a foot injury. Now, in 2023, he'll be expected to return and bring that missing dynamic. At OTAs and minicamp this summer, he has impressed in short stints. According to Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Austin doesn't even feel like he's fully up to speed (yet).
"I do feel as fast, but honestly, I think by the time August comes, I’ll feel my full speed. It’s like I’m there, but I still know I’ve got a little more in the tank. I'm in a position now where I feel well enough to know I can go to those next three or four gears," Austin said via Batko.
If you remember, the hype was quite high for Austin near the end of last summer. His 4.32 speed was flashing at training camp in Latrobe, but that was basically the last that we got to see of him. The fact that he isn't even to full speed yet has to be exciting for fans to hear after the recent buzz. Thankfully, he got plenty of reps in with quarterback Kenny Pickett last summer, so the two should have a solid chemistry by now.
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Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett pitches the ball to wide receiver Calvin Austin III during training camp in Latrobe in 2022.
The rave reviews on Austin have come from everywhere, from offensive coordinator Matt Canada to wide receivers coach Frisman Jackson to his own teammates. Recently, running back Najee Harris chimed in on Austin's impact and just how much he will be used this upcoming season via Steelers.com.
"Calvin's kind of a unicorn, you can put him really anywhere, put him in the backfield, at slot, everywhere. I think he's gonna be featured a lot. He's gonna put a lot of pressure on defenses, that'll help out all of us, just seeing him line up everywhere," Harris said about Austin.
One thing is clear, there will be a considerable amount of hype surrounding Austin entering training camp again. The team acquired veteran wideout Allen Robinson earlier this offseason, which should help the Memphis product. Austin will be able to work to get back to full speed, while Robinson can man the slot position. Heading into 2023, Robinson is expected to be the No. 3 wideout behind Pickens and Johnson.
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Steelers running back Najee Harris and wide receiver Calvin Austin III have a chat on the field during the team's contest against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2022.
How many targets will Steelers WR see in 2023?
That's a scary sight for opposing defenses, as Austin will start as the No. 4 WR in all likelihood. That's without mentioning the weapons from a deep, talented tight end room. Austin's speed, albeit in limited snaps, should be able to open up the field for Pickett and the offense in 2023. Until then, we'll have to see him tear up Steelers defenders in practice, like he did with cornerback Patrick Peterson a few weeks ago.
What do you expect out of the Memphis product in his first NFL season? Do you have any concerns with his ability to stay healthy at his small size? Who will be the team's top receiver for the 2023 season? Share your thoughts in the comment section below, as well as on our social media sites!
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