Steelers' X-Factor wide receiver earns promising role after Week 3 victory

The Pittsburgh Steelers have found a dynamic new offensive weapon in wide receiver Calvin Austin III. His breakout performance in Week 3 against the Los Angeles Chargers helped secure a crucial 20-10 victory, pushing the Steelers to a 3-0 begin the campaign.

Austin’s speed and playmaking ability were on full display, providing quarterback Justin Fields with a reliable and explosive target in the passing game.

Austin was targeted five times and hauled four catches for 95 yards Sunday afternoon. The highlight of his day came in the form of a 55-yard strike from Fields in the fourth quarter. This deep pass not only electrified the Steelers' offense but also put them up by two possessions, a key moment that shifted momentum and gave Pittsburgh the cushion needed to maintain control of the game.

Austin’s ability to get open deep and burn defenders with his speed was crucial in exploiting the Chargers’ secondary.

Head coach Mike Tomlin was undoubtedly pleased with the balance and versatility Austin brings to the offense. When the Steelers offense is firing on all cylinders—mixing the run and the pass effectively—Austin becomes a dangerous downfield threat. His ability to stretch the field forces defenses to respect his speed, opening up more opportunities for the rest of the offense to operate.

Steelers will rely on Calvin Austin III more throughout the season

This performance is an obvious signal that Austin is becoming a vital part of Pittsburgh’s offensive scheme. While the Steelers have long been known for their tough, defensive identity, the emergence of Austin as a playmaker gives them a new dimension.

His combination of agility, hands, and route-running allows the Steelers to be more dynamic and aggressive when pushing the ball down the field. Austin III can be utilized in the ground game as well - making him an asset in Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith's scheme.

As the season progresses, expect Austin III to be a key target for Fields. His knack for making big plays when the offense is well-balanced suggests that Austin is just scratching the surface of his potential. If the Steelers can continue to create opportunities for him to stretch the field, Austin could evolve into one of the NFL’s more dangerous deep threats. 

With Calvin Austin III now established as a reliable weapon in the passing game, the Steelers offense has another layer of explosiveness, which could prove vital as they aim to maintain their unbeaten start and make a deep run into the postseason.