Ravens Great Declares They're Not Afraid Of Steelers' Calvin Austin: "Come On"

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a golden opportunity to prove every pundit wrong and win the AFC North on Saturday against the Baltimore Ravens. A Steelers victory over the Ravens would clinch the division, a feat few believed possible after an 2024 offseason filled with question marks. Sitting at 10-4, Pittsburgh has defied expectations, but their recent loss to the Philadelphia Eagles has created doubts about their ability to maintain momentum. 

A win against Baltimore would be a statement not only to the league but also to their critics, solidifying their position as true contenders. The challenge ahead is significant, as the Steelers will once again be without star wide receiver George Pickens. His absence puts added pressure on the rest of the offense to step up, particularly Calvin Austin III, who has been thrust into a larger role. 

Despite his potential, Austin became the target of ridicule from former Ravens linebacker Bart Scott, who dismissed him as a non-threat. Scott’s comments followed ESPN analyst Mike Tannenbaum’s assertion that Russell Wilson and the Steelers offense could expose Baltimore’s struggling secondary, a take Scott mockingly rejected.

"Calvin Austin [III], come on. We're not afraid of Calvin Austin," Scott said.

For Austin and the Steelers, this game is personal. The Ravens’ defensive vulnerabilities, coupled with Scott’s dismissive remarks, provide ample motivation to rise to the occasion. 

A standout performance by Austin could silence his doubters and help propel Pittsburgh to a crucial victory. As tensions mount, the stage is set for the Steelers to not only secure the AFC North but also make a resounding statement to their rivals and the entire NFL.

Steelers Head Into Baltimore As Big Underdogs

The oddsmakers aren’t giving Pittsburgh much of a chance, as a 10-4 team being a 6.5-point underdog speaks volumes. With Pickens out for his third straight game, TJ Watt likely playing at less than 100%, and DeShon Elliott ruled out, the Steelers are battling through a wave of injuries at a critical time. However, with Mike Tomlin at the helm, the team will be ready to face the adversity head-on and fight for a crucial victory.

Steelers fans have voiced their frustration about the team’s wide receiver situation, particularly heading into this game with Austin, Mike Williams, Van Jefferson, and Scotty Miller as the top options. Many feel the Steelers didn’t do enough to bolster the receiving corps, though they did trade for Williams. Despite limited opportunities and a lack of major impact, Williams now faces another chance on Saturday against the Ravens to prove his worth and contribute to the team’s success.

As the Steelers prepare for this pivotal matchup, the pressure on these receivers is high. With key injuries and a less-than-ideal depth chart, Pittsburgh’s offense needs these players to step up and perform. Saturday’s game against the Ravens could be the perfect stage for them to silence critics and demonstrate their value to the team.

Tomlin has taken subtle jabs at the media and fans over their concerns about the wide receiver room. Following the Steelers' victory over the Cleveland Browns without Pickens, he confidently boasted that the team had capable players ready to step up. However, that optimism backfired during the loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Now, Tomlin and the Steelers will need much more from their wide receivers if they hope to overcome the Ravens and secure a crucial win.

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