The Pittsburgh Steelers’ wide receiver unit is embracing a gritty mentality, despite the common perception that it may need additional talent. Calvin Austin III, a standout receiver, believes the group is already “complete” due to the unique qualities each player contributes. In his recent media appearance, Austin emphasized the importance of having a “little edge” to enhance their performance in a league filled with talented players.
Austin stated, “We have to be grinding because in this league, everybody’s so talented that your talent isn’t gonna always win. You need to have that little edge about yourself.” He highlighted that success hinges not just on individual talent but on the collective grit of the entire receiver room, promising that they will showcase their determination on the field.
He praised the diverse strengths of his teammates, noting players like Ben Skowronek, who is adept at taking on the tough tasks, and Roman Wilson, who demonstrates fearless play. Additionally, Scotty Miller and DK Metcalf bring their own fearless styles to the table, reinforcing the room’s gritty nature.
Last season, the Steelers didn’t fully utilize Wilson, who played only five snaps due to injuries. Austin is keenly aware of the necessity for receivers to excel beyond their physical stature, asserting that their tenacity allows them to perform bigger than their size suggests.
While Austin expresses confidence in the current roster, the Steelers are still exploring options to deepen their receiving corps, engaging in trade discussions for Jonnu Smith and hosting Gabe Davis for interviews. Nevertheless, there is potential for significant improvement over last year’s performance.
To thrive on offense, it is crucial for the receivers to embody that gritty mentality, taking on challenges such as blocking and making tough catches crucial to their strategy. Austin believes that the team possesses the traits necessary to achieve success, with determination at the core of their potential.
Optimistically, as the team continues to develop this gritty ethos, they can forge a strong identity that may lead to a successful season ahead, revealing the underlying character of the Steelers’ receiving unit.