Steelers' Calvin Austin Plagued By Drops On Day 1; Other Big Name Offensive Players Shine

Austin III has a lot of work to do to become a consistent play maker in this offense, especially with the organization trading for Allen Robinson II during the offseason. However, this is just day one of training camp. It's early. Austin III has plenty of time to make his mark on this year's training camp and show what he can do to help the offense excel. Despite Austin III's early struggles, many other offensive players stood out during practice.

Offensive Players That Stood Out

During the team's 11 on 11 drills, Pickett seemed to get in a good rhythm with multiple tight ends. Both Pat Freiermuth and Connor Heyward were able to make nice catches, with Freiermuth making plays over the middle of the field while Heyward was able to haul in a nice catch along the side line. 

It can not be overstated how important it is for a quarterback to have great chemistry with his tight ends, especially a young one such as Pickett. Tight ends can be a reliable target in the red zone as well as be used for check downs when the pressure is getting to the quarterback. Pickett struggled in the red zone last season, having a completion percentage of only 41.5%. The growing chemistry with his tight ends and confidence throwing to Freiermuth will help the Steelers' offense perform better in that area of the field. 

Another Steelers pass catcher that stood out on the first day of practice was Diontae Johnson. Johnson had many receptions from Pickett that went all over the field. Johnson had a great catch over the middle as well as along the side line. He also had a toe-dragging catch on a corner route, where he seemed to fall and aggravate his knee, but fortunately was able to continue practicing.

Even with the early struggles of Austin III, it seems Pickett and his pass catchers have grown a great rapport with one another throughout the offseason. If this chemistry continues into the season, we can expect Pickett and the offense to have a much more successful year. After averaging just 18.1 points per game in 2022, things are finally looking up for Matt Canada's offense. 

These are just a few of the offensive players that stood out during practice Thursday, and it's only day one. It can be expected that other play makers such as Robinson II, George Pickens, and Najee Harris make plays throughout the rest of camp. The Steelers will be in full pads next week, when we will be able to see what the revamped offensive line is able to do.