The Steelers secured their sixth victory of the season with a 26-18 win over the Giants on Monday Night Football, marking their third consecutive triumph. The team’s defense excelled in a game characterized by low scoring and questionable officiating. Russell Wilson also put forth a solid performance, but the standout player who earned significant recognition was Calvin Austin III.
Austin enjoyed a standout game, contributing to the total touchdowns scored by both teams. He recorded three receptions for 54 yards and caught a touchdown. The standout moment of the night was his first touchdown, which came from a 75-yard punt return.
In a post-game interview with NFL Insider Mike Garafolo, Austin credited the Steelers’ special teams coach, Danny Smith, and his teammates for the impressive play:
“You know we have been talking about it all week, coach Danny and my teammates. It was just a perfect block, perfect setup. It was just all 11 and great coaching. Just everything, his intensity and passion for the game. He got our backs. So when we do something special like that, it is for him.”
Postgame with #Steelers WR/returner Calvin Austin III, who had a punt return TD and a receiving TD from Russell Wilson: “He’s always talking to us receivers, telling us to keep hunting, keep going, the ball is going to find us. Just like he said, it did.” pic.twitter.com/TqhTtstLJ4
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) October 29, 2024
Calvin mentioned that he and Coach Smith have been strategizing punt return plays throughout the season, and everything came together perfectly today.
He expressed great respect for the 70-year-old Danny Smith, who is in his 11th season with the team, underscoring the coach’s unique drive, intensity, and passion for the game.
Austin also showered praise on Wilson, noting how he has revitalized his career in Pittsburgh. There were many doubts regarding Wilson’s future, with some expecting he would spend the season as a backup to Justin Fields.
However, Wilson took advantage of the first opportunity he received to demonstrate his continued capabilities. Austin and his teammates were confident from the very beginning that Russ would shine upon arriving in Pittsburgh.
Austin praises Wilson and his offensive impact
Russell Wilson has turned back the clock, making significant contributions to a team with a solid defense. Many believed Fields would keep the starting role, thinking the Super Bowl champion had little left to offer.
Nonetheless, he is now back on track for a potential Hall of Fame career. Austin is not surprised to see Wilson performing at a high level, remarking that the QB has exhibited such dedication from the very start.
Austin shared that Wilson engages with the receivers daily, boosting their confidence and encouraging them to keep running, promising he will get the ball to them.
“He’s been that way since day one. He’s always talking to us receivers, telling us to keep hunting, keep going, the ball is going to find us. Just like he said, it did.”
Wilson finished the game with 278 passing yards, connecting on 20 of 28 attempts, including a touchdown pass to Austin.
The Steelers improved to a surprising 6-2 record as they head into their bye week. However, Calvin emphasized their faith in themselves and in Mike Tomlin’s leadership, stating they followed his plan. They will face the Commanders after the break in week 10 on November 10th.
Image Source: Calvin Austin III @ Instagram
