The Pittsburgh Steelers head into a matchup with Tampa Bay, and all eyes are on the offense amid injuries at wide receiver. Will the offense lean into different personnel groupings? Germie Bernard and Pat Friermuth will see an increased role, but regardless of the options at receiver, the Steelers offense must execute better on early downs and convert more third downs, plain and simple.
On first down, Pittsburgh’s success rate is at 44.6%. For context, that is just above Seattle’s offense, which,
after watching last night’s performance in Denver, is unmistakably broken. Second down isn’t better with a success rate of 40.9%, but third down is where the number craters at 39.4%.
The overall success rate on first down through fourth comes to 42.7%. That number is good for 19th in the NFL. The two teams behind Pittsburgh are the Giants and Jets. If the Steelers are to make a run during this five-game stretch, they have to execute better on early downs and put themselves in striking distance on third down.
Here is Saturday’s Three Rivers Report.
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