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.
Steelers coverage from Behind the Steel Curtain
- Prop bets to target on Sunday: Let’s cash some tickets
- Steelers/Bucs preview: What to expect on Sunday
- Are Steelers fans coming around to believing: The number is under 50%
Steelers discussion: Kordell Stewart’s documentary looks very interesting
Jarrett Bailey and Todd Haley evaluate the Steelers’ playoff chances.
Be sure to join The Feed, where you can share your thoughts right now!
Pittsburgh Steelers news and notes
- Stephen A. Smith says Rodgers knows something he can’t admit: Wonder what that could be
- Juju Smith-Schuster visits Pittsburgh: Oh, hello old friend
- Evaluating the 2026 draft class for Pittsburgh: Did the Steelers strike gold
News from around the NFL
- Bo Nix continues to disappoint: The headline is much worse
- Jalen Hurts to miss Week 6 with a blood clot: Why did the Eagles let him travel to London
- Joe Buck and Troy Aikman could no longer be a duo: That’s unfortunate
Join the conversation!
Steelers Nation, bring the party to the SB Nation app!
Connect with fellow fans and talk through every hard hit, huge play and dramatic finish.
- Chat live during the game
- Enjoy fewer ads
- Move seamlessly between communities
- Comment and post faster
Let us know what you think in the comments. Be sure to bookmark Behind the Steel Curtain for all the latest news, breakdowns, and more!