The Pittsburgh Steelers successfully defeated the Baltimore Ravens in Week 18 in a a crazy game, which led to the franchise winning the AFC North and securing a home playoff game for the first time since 2020. The group will get to play at least one more game before the season ends thanks to the close win. There are definitely a lot of things that Pittsburgh needs to clean up before that upcoming contest on Monday Night Football, but it's better to do it during the playoffs than having to sit at home for the rest of January.
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Steelers' Mike Tomlin coaching during a win over the Baltimore Ravens in 2025.
In his post-game press conference, Head Coach Mike Tomlin was asked about how well his offense did without DK Metcalf (again), but he answered by shouting out another receiver that stepped up and helped to win this showdown.
"We're going to do whatever it is we need to get better and improve," Tomlin said. "Calvin Austin played in this one; he didn't play last week, and I think you felt the effects of him in game, and so that's just how it goes."
Speedy receiver Calvin Austin III got the start in Week 18 after missing some time due to another injury. With Metcalf out due to the suspension, the fourth-year wideout became the most capable deep threat option on the team. There was no doubt that he was going to be relied upon as the game unfolded, and that ended up being the case in the second half.
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Steelers' Calvin Austin III goes up against a Ravens defender in Week 11 of the 2024 regular season.
Austin was targeted seven times, but he only had three receptions in the game. He made them all of those count, though, as he had 55 yards and the final score of the game, which was a 26-yard touchdown pass. On the play, he was one-on-one with a cornerback in zone coverage. He made a subtle little move to make the defender fall, and he was wide open for a walk-in score to significantly help the Steelers win the division.
Steelers and Ravens game is absolute cinema!! What a move by Calvin Austin and what a way for the regular season to come to an end #RavensFlock pic.twitter.com/YcYbFS3JhR
— Honest Dude (@BeingHonestdude) January 5, 2026
Austin was second on the team in receiving yards and tied for second in receptions and targets in the matchup. The game plan definitely involved getting him the ball and making him the primary wide receiver in the contest. It was not his best performance after returning from injury, but he did what he had to do in the end, and that is what matters the most. The touchdown will go down in Steelers/Ravens lore.
Steelers Will Get Big Boost For Wild Card Game
Not only will Austin get to shine again, but Metcalf's suspension is now over. After getting two weeks of rest, he will be at full strength against a stout Houston Texans defense. The Steelers will definitely need him in that game, and the hope is that he is faster and stronger now that he has not played in a little bit. Hopefully, all that rest has not led to rust either, and he can play like a high-level receiver again.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers' DK Metcalf (4) alongside Wide Receivers Coach Zach Azzanni during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
The Texans arguably have the best defense in the NFL. Even if Metcalf does not get targeted much, he will be key to allowing guys like Austin or the big group of tight ends to get open and make some big chunk plays throughout the contest and finally end this streak of futility in the postseason. Austin helped get the Steelers here, and now Metcalf needs to do his part to secure a win.
What do you think about Tomlin shouting out Austin after his game-winning touchdown catch? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
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