Third downs have always been an issue for the Steelers. They've been very good for over a decade under Dick LeBeau on first and second down. Third down and any distance is trouble.
The trend seems to be continuing on the first drive of tonight's game, where the Steelers gave up big gobs of yardage on several third downs.
Let's call the pass completion to tight end Ed Dickson lucky. Even taking that out, the Steelers have blown their chances to get off the field so far tonight. That cannot continue. The Ravens came dangerously close to a touchdown and will make Pittsburgh pay if it continues.
The team did well on third down last week by playing tight man coverage and getting good blitz pressure on Tom Brady. They aren't playing that same tight coverage this week, which has lead to the bigger plays. They also aren't defending the runners coming out of the backfield on pass attempts. That has to tighten up too. Ray Rice is just as good a receiver as he is a runner.
If the Steelers can lock down their third down problems, their defense will be very hard to beat.
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