The Pittsburgh Steelers’ wide receivers, including Robert Woods, Calvin Austin, and Ben Skowronek, are embracing a physical and gritty mindset as they prepare for the upcoming season. This approach aims to differentiate them in a league where pure talent alone is often not enough to guarantee success. Woods emphasized the importance of physicality and teamwork, highlighting how the unit fights through every down and supports each other on the field.

You see guys who are wanting to fight for each other and play for each other and guys are finishing down the field blocking,

Woods said, via Brooke Pryor of ESPN.

We’re going to be physical in our room. We’re going to be grimy. We’re going to be fighting to the end of the whistle. Playing with — and without — the football, I think, is the biggest thing in our room.

Calvin Austin Highlights the Need for an Extra Edge Beyond Talent

Receiver Calvin Austin reinforced the notion that in today’s NFL, sheer talent does not always secure victories. Having a “grimy” edge, or that extra willingness to do the hard work, sets this Steelers group apart. Austin insisted the team’s shared mindset and collective effort will be vital for achieving their goals on the field.

In this league everybody is so talented that your talent isn’t going to always win. You got to have that little edge about yourself. And so it’s not just about individuals, it’s our whole room, and our whole room is behind that and we’re going to show that on the field.

Ben Skowronek Embodies Physicality, Earning a Nickname for His Toughness

Wide receiver Ben Skowronek has already been distinguished by Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, who dubbed him “Dirtbag” for his willingness to play with physicality. Skowronek embraces the role of being an enforcer who sets the tone by contributing both in the passing game and in the run blocking aspect of the offense. He sees his job as supporting the team’s overall physical approach.

That’s kind of what I do out there,

Skowronek explained.

And for the offense, whether it’s digging out support, whatever Art asked me to do, just try to do it to the best of my ability, and kind of set the tone for physicality and stuff like that. The offensive line is physical, running backs, tight ends. So why not be physical at receiver, too? I had to step in and do a lot of stuff in the run game, but it’s really, be physical, or they’re going to find someone else who can be physical. I enjoy kind of being the enforcer out there for the receiver room.

Woods and Skowronek Compete to Claim the Title of Grittiest Player

Both Woods and Skowronek view themselves as the grimiest receivers on the team, displaying the toughness that coach Mike Tomlin expects from his wideout group. Woods laughed while claiming his place as the hard-nosed receiver, illustrating his willingness to battle defenders at every moment, whether securing extra yards on third down or blocking on goal-line plays.

I would have to say me,

Woods said, laughing.

Yeah, I get down in it, whether it’s a d-lineman, linebacker, safeties, corners, just playing physical with and without the football. If it’s third-and-6 and I’m 4 yards deep, we’re going to find a way to get those extra two. And even if it is without the football, blocking on the 1-yard line, we’re making sure our running back gets in the end zone. I think that’s the mentality of this whole team. Coach Tomlin said he invested a lot of money in the bigs, and we got to be physical.

I mean, I’d like to say myself,

Skowronek noted.

But I feel like you have to have that mentality, so I don’t know. You can ask somebody else that question.

Steelers’ Physical Mentality Reflects Team-Wide Commitment to Toughness

This physical and gritty mentality embraced by Robert Woods and his fellow receivers aligns with the broader team culture led by coach Mike Tomlin, who has invested heavily in the offensive line and skill positions to impose physical dominance. The receivers’ willingness to match that toughness ensures Pittsburgh’s offense remains balanced and competitive in all phases of the game. By excelling physically both with and without the ball, the wideout group hopes to create a lasting impact throughout the season, setting an example that toughness can often outweigh pure talent.