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Steelers' Conservative Approach on Fourth Down Raises Questions

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Pittsburgh Steelers' decision to forgo opportunities to convert fourth-down plays has been one of the most notable aspects of their season so far. According to data from Open Source Football, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin has been the most conservative coach in the league when it comes to going for it on fourth down, with the team taking only four offensive snaps on fourth down in 2025. This approach has left many questioning whether the team's reluctance to take risks on fourth down is a strategy that is hindering their performance.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Steelers are the only team in the league to have no fourth-down tries from scrimmage during scenarios in which the numbers say they should go for it, resulting in a 0% rate of going for it when such a decision would add at least 1.5 percentage points of win probability.
  • The Steelers' opponents have amassed 988 yards after catches this season, with an average per-game opponent YAC of 141.1, which is the second-most in the NFL.
  • The Steelers' pass rush has been limited by opponents throwing short passes, with an average depth of target of 6.7 yards, the second-lowest for any defensive unit in the league, leading to a 30th ranking in the NFL in passing yards allowed despite limiting opponents on average to throwing the second-fewest yards downfield.
  • Right tackle Troy Fautanu is quietly having a strong first full season as a pro, ranking ninth among all NFL starting right tackles in pressure rate allowed in pass protection and not being charged with a sack all season.
  • The Steelers have 18 comeback wins since 2020 when trailing at halftime or at the end of the third quarter, with 17 of those wins coming in the past three seasons, showcasing the team's resilience.

Statistics:

  • The Steelers have taken only 4 offline snaps on fourth down in 2025.
  • The Steelers' opponent YAC average of 141.1 is the second-most in the NFL.
  • The Steelers' opponents have thrown an average of 6.7 yards downfield against the Steelers this season.
  • Troy Fautanu has not been charged with a sack all season and has only been responsible for 8 pressures of quarterback Aaron Rodgers in the Steelers' past 5 games.
  • The Steelers have 18 comeback wins since 2020 when trailing at halftime or at the end of the third quarter.

Sources:

  • Open Source Football
  • Pro-football-reference.com
  • Pro Football Focus
  • The Tribune-Review (Greensburg, Pa.)
  • TribLive.com

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