The Overlooked Benefit Of Calvin Austin III’s Speed
Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Over the past few seasons, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense has looked shockingly remedial. Offensive coordinator Matt Canada has been criticized for his lack of creativity and innovation, while the unit has revealed a desperate need for explosive plays. But during their preseason opener, fans were given a glimmer of hope.
Calvin Austin hits 99 mph and gets the TD 💨💨
— PickensBurgh🫡 (Tino) (@PickensBurgh) August 12, 2023
It may have been a game that didn’t count, but for the first time since the regular season of 2020 the Steelers completed a pass of over 67 yards. Calvin Austin III streaked down the field in a manner that Steeler Nation hasn’t seen since the days of Mike Wallace and Martavis Bryant.
Austin’s two-carry, two-catch, 106 total-yard performance in the opener was even enough to garner the attention of Cody Benjamin and his CBS Sports’ Preseason Winners column.
“The Steelers might also have an underrated deep threat in 2022 fourth-rounder Calvin Austin III”
Then came Saturday night.
Calvin Austin big punt return #Steelers #NFL pic.twitter.com/nfGZWGSpXB
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) August 19, 2023
The young speedster’s special teams performance against the Bills even put a smile on Mike Tomlin’s face.
Look how hyped coach T gets about this punt return from Calvin Austin 🤣 pic.twitter.com/F2tV98J7ij
— MinkahBurgh Steelers (@SteelersWin109) August 20, 2023
But while the deep pass and punt return have received a majority of the attention, it’s Austin’s other chunk play from Game 1 that may hold uniquely exceptional value for the Steelers.
Calvin Austin is going to force defenses to stay honest. He's the prototype player for the jet sweep. #Steelers pic.twitter.com/n9txksDxZC
— Tommy Jaggi (@TommyJaggi) August 14, 2023
The 17-yard jet sweep down the left sideline represents a potential offensive option that can change this Steelers’ unit completely. When run correctly, by a player skilled enough to pull it off, the jet sweep is devastating to defenses. This is precisely why it’s become a staple of aggressive modern offenses.
As this offense tries to find its identity and Canada works to prove he can evolve, having a skilled speedster who can effectively run the jet could change everything, especially given the talent the Steelers have in the backfield. Obviously it’s great to see someone get loose around the edge and take it to the house, but the threat of the jet is just as important as the jet itself. With his top-end explosiveness, Austin can act as window dressing to manipulate linebackers and allow Najee Harris to dominate.
Saquon Barkley and the New York Giants worked this to perfection in their playoff upset of the Minnesota Vikings last season. It became comical watching the Giants execute while the Vikings’ defense seemed helpless.
Yowza, Eric Kendricks. pic.twitter.com/M6nrDdFi7Y
— Rob Searles (@RobBob17) July 15, 2023
The moment those linebackers react to the potential jet sweep and take one false step, guys like Harris and Barkley are going to crush.
On the flip side, Harris’ presence will dictate a fair share of one-high coverages. Given single high, Austin’s speed has the potential to devastate a team deep. If Austin can prove reliable, this becomes a pick-your-poison offense. Do you want to stop Harris? Cool, Austin can kill you over the top. Want to take away deep shots as well? Great, Diontae Johnson and George Pickens will eat all over the field. Think you can stop all of them? Let me introduce you to one of the league’s best young tight end tandems in Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington.
Pittsburgh wasn’t quite sure what they had in Austin when they drafted him. Despite Sauce Gardner calling the former Memphis gadget player his toughest collegiate matchup, it wasn’t apparent how Austin would apply his skillset at the NFL level. But after rookie year lost too injury, it’s becoming clearer by the day: Speed will change everything Pittsburgh does, and Calvin Austin has the right sort of speed. Give him the ball and watch him expand the Steelers’ options.
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