Once the news broke about Aaron Rodgers signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers, all eyes turned to getting him a second weapon. While the addition of DK Metcalf is remarkable, the subtraction of George Pickens leaves the team back to where they were last year at this time…without a clear second option. The Steelers have also acquired veteran Robert Woods, while Roman Wilson looks to bounce back in his second year (first season playing). However, wide receiver coach Zach Azzanni was clear with his choice as WR2: Cavin Austin.
Azzanni said to the media, “I think that two spot is all Calvin’s right now, and really him and DK are such different players where there’s gonna be plays where he is the one guy.”
The 5’9” assassin had a breakout season last year, where he had 548 receiving yards and 4 total touchdowns. Last season, he primarily lined up in the slot, but with the presence of Metcalf this year, and the ability that Austin showed last year, it would be hard not to see him stretched out wide. It doesn’t take a football guru to understand the importance of Austin this year. While both he and Metcalf have the speed and ability to stretch the field, Austin has the smaller size advantage to break free and become a shifty underneath target across the middle for Rodgers.
Azzanni also said, “Everyone’s downplaying, underplaying our group right now, I love it that way. And I really don’t want anyone looking at us anyway.” Although Austin is named the WR2 as of now, the Steelers have been named in the same sentence as weapons such as Terry McLaurin, Gabe Davis, and Allen Lazard. Ausitn’s name may not come to mind when thinking of typical wide receiver number twos, he may just be a perfect weapon to pair with DK Metcalf, Aaron Rodgers, and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
