If it’s felt like the Pittsburgh Steelers have gotten conservative on third-and-long, you’d be right. Despite their public confidence in QB Justin Fields, few teams this year have run the ball in passing situations like the Steelers. Sunday night’s loss to the Dallas Cowboys was a perfect example, handing off to RB Aaron Shampklin on 3rd and 8. He gained 5 yards and Pittsburgh kicked to tie the game at 3 points a piece, missing out on the chance to convert, get in the red zone, and take the lead.
It’s a theme of the season. Arthur Smith says there’s strategy.