'We were ready to break this thing open' – Steelers' Mike Tomlin shares exchange before game-changing play
The Pittsburgh Steelers were once again in a slugfest heading into the half at Acrisure Stadium. Tied 9-9 with the New York Giants, the offense failed to capitalize multiple times in the red zone, including two TDs that were called back. So when they needed a surge of momentum, Mike Tomlin tuned to WR Calvin […]
The Pittsburgh Steelers were once again in a slugfest heading into the half at Acrisure Stadium.
Tied 9-9 with the New York Giants, the offense failed to capitalize multiple times in the red zone, including two TDs that were called back.
So when they needed a surge of momentum, Mike Tomlin tuned to WR Calvin Austin III of all players, and he answered the call:
Calvin Austin III Punt Return TD Opens Up Steelers 2nd Half Rally
"You know, I didn't think we did. I don't live in that fear, to be quite honest with you, you know, we were ready to break this thing open," said HC Mike Tomlin when asked about the potential penalty that would have overturned the return TD. "Man, I talked to Calvin [Austin III] before, on third down, before he took the field. He just been close for a couple of weeks, and I thought it was his time, and he thought it was his time, and he delivered."
But as all Steelers fans know, Austin blew the game open, but he also shut the door when he caught the lone TD of the game on a beautiful corner route via a dime from Russell Wilson.
"He's a guy who comes in every day. He works his butt off. You know, he's humble, he's level-headed, and he's a great dude," Alex Highsmith said of Austin after the game. "And so just to see him get those two touchdowns today, especially that punt return was awesome, and that's just huge for him. So happy for him."
The third-year WR out of Memphis is really in his second year after missing all of his rookie season with a foot injury. He's become much more comfortable over the past few weeks, with his blazing speed and sharp routes becoming notable this season.
Currently the WR #3 on the depth chart, the breakout game is promising for Austin, but it shouldn't stop the Steelers from being active shoppers ahead of November 5th's trade deadline, especially following the Russell Wilson emergence.
"I think Calvin's punt return was really remarkable," QB Russell Wilson said of Austin after the game. "It's cool seeing him back there making those plays. I mean, he can do anything, and then he obviously had his touchdown that really opened up the game."
As the chemistry grows, fans will expect the offensive explosion to continue, even with the hardest part of the schedule up next.
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