There have been a number of explanation why the Pittsburgh Steelers misplaced to the Cleveland Browns. One among their largest flaws was their incapability to transform on fourth down. Twice, the Steelers have been dealing with fourth-and-short, and each occasions, they didn’t convert. That halted a number of their momentum. Alternatively, the Browns have been wonderful on fourth down. Miles Killebrew appeared shocked by the Steelers’ aggressiveness in these spots.
“I used to be shocked at a few of the issues that occurred in the course of the recreation,” Killebrew stated Monday on 93.7 The Fan. “From my standpoint, I wasn’t anticipating, simply from what we’ve executed prior to now, whether or not or not you go for it on a fourth down, whether or not or not you resolve to kick a discipline purpose on a fourth down. We don’t know these issues.”
It was shocking to see Tomlin so able to preserve the Steelers offense on the sector for fourth down. The acute climate may very well be blamed, however the discipline wasn’t even coated in snow after they confronted their first fourth down. That got here on their second drive of the sport, with a couple of minutes left within the first quarter.
Perhaps a part of Tomlin’s daring nature got here from the Steelers enjoying on a brief week in enemy territory. He may need felt like factors could be more durable to return by. It doesn’t matter what, although, it was odd. It was so unusual that it shocked Killebrew, a staff captain.
This yr, the Steelers have solely tried to convert on fourth down 14 occasions. Examine that to the Browns, who’ve probably the most makes an attempt at 28. That stage of expertise was on full show in Week 12, and it made all of the distinction.
Killebrew continued explaining how he seen these decisions on fourth down.
“These are selections which can be made between Coach Tomlin and whoever else is concerned. So, when it comes time for the sport, particularly on the opposite facet of the ball, we don’t know what they’re gonna do. That they had missed one earlier. You by no means know. I don’t know. We have been simply making an attempt to get out of there with that win, and it sucked that we weren’t capable of.”
Killebrew is a defensive participant who spends most of his time on particular groups, so it is sensible that he wouldn’t be keyed into the offense’s fourth-down selections. In the end, the Steelers have been too predictable on fourth down, though they ultimately transformed on their third try.
On the season, the Steelers have solely transformed seven of 14 occasions on fourth down. That ineffectiveness briefly yardage has plagued them on the worst occasions this yr. Fortunately, the Browns didn’t rating any factors when the Steelers didn’t convert. Nevertheless, it nonetheless harm the final move of their offense.
It will likely be fascinating to see if Tomlin continues to be so aggressive on fourth down. With Chris Boswell kicking in addition to he’s, that appears unlikely. The Steelers should be higher at scoring touchdowns, however generally, it’s okay to take three factors. There have been elements working in opposition to the Steelers, although, which could clarify why they operated out of character in opposition to the Browns.
