Steelers’ lack of moves at wide receiver starts to add up after reveal of offensive strategy within pass-catching group
The Steelers have a plan, and their sticking to it.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have shown that actions speak louder than words when it comes to their wide receiver room. All of the rhetoric coming out of Pittsburgh has been that the team is excited about Calvin Austin III in the WR No.2 role.
But throughout the offseason, whether it was inquiring about potential trades or bringing in veterans on visits, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ actions suggested that they are still seeking another difference-maker.
Now that the roster is set and we are less than two days from the season starting, the Steelers roster is what it is. That’s fine with Mike Tomlin, who is bullish on Austin but mentions a plethora of options that will all fill the void left by George Pickens.
Mike Tomlin is excited about litany of players at the WR position
“I’m extremely confident in him, but also equally confident in Roman Wilson and Jonnu [Smith] and [Pat] Freiermuth,” said Mike Tomlin when asked if he’s confident in Calvin Austin III. “I think, you know, there’s a lot of speculation in there. There’s a lot [of talk] about a quote, unquote number two [WR], and I just think in today’s game, it comes at you in a lot of ways. . .
” . ..We certainly have unique depth and talent at the tight end position, and particularly in reference to new acquisitions, Jonnu, who is somewhat of a positionless player. Calvin [Austin III] is growing and has grown and made big strides. A year ago, we were really excited about Roman Wilson and team development. And so I’m less concerned about, quote, unquote, who occupies the number two position.”
Typically, committee approaches are reserved for the running back room. But when you have as many “move” players, or chess pieces that you can pick and place and align all over the way the Steelers do, you suddenly have a group that is forming the second-best WR option on the team.
As Tomlin would go on to mention, a lot of who else receives the ball will be based on what defenses do to stop DK Metcalf. Coordinators and coverage will gravitate towards him as he dictates their game plan because he can break the game open.
That means it’s up to Muth, Jonnu, Roman Wilson, and Austin to take advantage of the opportunities that come their way.
Because there will be plenty.
Pittsburgh Steelers News
Jaylen Warren’s contract extension ensures him two things with the Steelers, but a lack of competition isn’t one of them
He’ has it all in front of him.
