The Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2) have been subject to trade talks all season, as many believe they have a clear void at wide receiver. That didn't seem to be the case on Monday night, though, as the Steelers had three wide receivers eclipse 50-plus receiving yards in their 26-18 win over the New York Giants. George Pickens, of course, led the room with four catches for 74 yards.
However, Van Jefferson and Calvin Austin III also had big nights, combining for seven catches for 116 yards and a touchdown. That's why they're still not listening to the trade chatter with the Nov. 5 deadline nearing.
"Since OTAs, since training camp, each individual player, receiver, we feel how we feel," Austin said . "We're all competitors. We gonna always bank on us, regardless.
" Austin was arguably Pittsburgh's biggest difference-maker in the game. He not only reeled in a 29-yard receiving touchdown but also returned a punt 73 yards for a touchdown . Jefferson knew his time was coming and is confident he'll continue stacking similar performances.
"Calvin is deserving of that moment. He deserves all the success," Jefferson said . "He just wants to play ball, just eager to impact the team.
I'm just so proud of him, man. He deserves it. I know he's going to continue to build off this.
" If Austin can do just that, the Steelers won't necessarily need to add another wide receiver, but that's a big "if" and why the team must still reassess the state of the room heading into its Week 9 bye. Tight end Pat F.