The Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense were chain-movers in 2018. They converted 44.4% of their third downs, eighth best in football When the Steelers came away victors, it usually correlated to excellent success on those critical downs. 50% conversion rate in games they won, 34% in the ones they lost. It’s an obvious point, I know.
How they set themselves up for that type of success is a lot more interesting and underappreciated element. The odds of converting a 3rd and 4 versus a 3rd and 7 is substantial (46% vs 38%). An offense setting itself up for 3rd and short is critical.