PITTSBURGH – Every good offense has its anchor. Some have power runners. Others have dominant tight ends. And then there are the ones that thrive on speed. Just pure, game-breaking, fear-inducing speed. For the Pittsburgh Steelers, that weapon comes in the form of Calvin Austin III.
As the Steelers prepare for their Week 15 matchup against the Miami Dolphins, one thing has become clear: Austin has officially arrived. The fourth-year wideout is enjoying a career-best season, putting up personal highs across the board with 48 catches, 740 yards, and 7 touchdowns while adding 228 yards after the catch.
However, the stats only tell part of the story.
A Role Redefined
When Coach DK LaFleur took over earlier this season, one of his first goals was simple, and it was to identify playmakers and put them in positions to thrive. It didn’t take long for him to realize that Austin wasn’t just fast; he was different.
“You see it on film, but it’s another thing to see it live,” LaFleur said after Thursday’s practice. “The way Calvin accelerates and transitions, it forces defenses to make business decisions. He opens up everything else for our offense.”
Under LaFleur’s system, Austin’s role has evolved beyond that of a traditional slot receiver. Once viewed primarily as a gadget player, he’s now a dynamic chess piece capable of lining up anywhere. He’s taken snaps outside, in the slot, and in motion.
Defensive coordinators have to account for where he’ll line up next.
The Perfect Fit for a New Era
The Steelers offense has come a long way this season. With Desmond Ridder leading the charge and Nate Carter emerging as a legitimate star at running back, Pittsburgh has found a rhythm. But Austin’s versatility has added a new layer that defenses simply can’t ignore.
At 5-foot-9, he’s not going to overpower anyone physically, but that’s never been his game. What makes Austin special is his ability to stretch defenses both vertically and horizontally. He’s a nightmare in space, using quick bursts and sharp cuts to create mismatches against linebackers and safeties.
“Calvin’s the kind of player you scheme around,” Ridder said. “You can hit him on a quick slant and it might go for five, or it might go for fifty. You never know. That’s the kind of danger he brings.”
That unpredictability has opened up opportunities for others, too. With defenses forced to keep a safety over the top on Austin’s side, guys like DK Metcalf, Alec Pierce, and Darnell Washington have seen softer coverage. The ripple effect has been one of the biggest reasons for the Steelers’ offensive success down the stretch.
Stats That Speak Volumes
The numbers back up the eye test. Austin’s 740 receiving yards are already a career high, and his 7 touchdowns have come in big moments, including third downs, red zone possessions, and late-game drives where every inch matters.
His 228 yards after the catch are a testament to how he operates in space as well. He’s turned short routes into long gains, making defenders miss in the open field and consistently flipping field position.
When asked what’s fueled his improvement this season, Austin kept it simple.
“Trust,” he said. “Coach LaFleur trusts me. My teammates trust me. I’ve been working on consistency and timing. Not just running fast, but running smart. That’s been the biggest difference.”
It’s that combination of confidence and discipline that has elevated him from a promising young talent into a cornerstone of the offense.
Chemistry with Ridder
Quarterback-wide receiver chemistry isn’t built overnight. It’s earned through repetition, timing, and trust, whcih are three things that Ridder and Austin have developed in abundance this season.
Their connection has become one of the most reliable in Pittsburgh’s passing attack. Ridder’s ability to extend plays outside the pocket has created countless opportunities for Austin to find soft spots in coverage. And when the ball’s in his hands, something good almost always happens.
“I just try to be where he expects me to be,” Austin said with a grin. “He knows I’ll go get it. That’s the relationship we’ve built, and we don’t need to say much. We just make plays.”
The DK LaFleur Effect
LaFleur’s system has unlocked something in Austin that fans have been waiting to see since he entered the league, and that’s controlled explosiveness. It’s not about simply giving him gadget plays or deep shots anymore. It’s about balance.
“We’re just scratching the surface with him,” LaFleur said. “He’s developing and showing that he can run the entire route tree. He’s making an effort to block in the run game, he can handle motion adjustments, and he’s not afraid to go over the middle. That’s what you want from a complete receiver.” Coach hinted that more creative uses for Austin could be coming soon, especially as the Steelers enter the final stretch of the season.
Looking Ahead
With four games left in the regular season, the Steelers sit at 8-5 and in the thick of the AFC playoff race. Every game matters, and every drive counts. For Pittsburgh to continue its momentum, they’ll need Austin to keep being the spark plug that keeps the offense rolling.
“He’s one of those guys that can change a game in one play,” said Darnell Washington. “When he touches the ball, everyone’s eyes go to him. He’s that electric.”
The Dolphins, who enter this week’s game without several key defensive backs, will have their hands full trying to contain him. Expect LaFleur to dial up a few looks specifically designed to get Austin in space. If recent weeks are any indication, that could spell trouble for Miami’s defense.
The Bottom Line
Calvin Austin’s breakout season isn’t just a testament to his speed or athleticism, but it’s about growth, trust, and opportunity. Under DK LaFleur’s leadership and Desmond Ridder’s career resurgence, he’s become more than just a weapon. He’s become a difference-maker.
As the Steelers continue their march toward the postseason, one thing is certain: wherever Calvin Austin lines up, defenses better take notice.
In Pittsburgh, speed kills, and Calvin Austin is just getting started.
– Forged In Steel Times
