There are many things to like about the Steelers’ defense in recent weeks, but there is one glaring exception. One can make the argument that they are one of the worst fourth-down defenses in the NFL — indeed, the worst. In fact, with two games to play, they have already set a record for the most fourth-down conversions ever allowed. At least as far back as the data goes, which appears to be 1990.
It’s worth noting that the three highest totals of fourth-down conversions ever allowed are all from the 2025 season, though, and I’m not clear on why that is. Teams just seem to be going for it on fourth down more. The Steelers have already faced the sixth-most fourth-down attempts in NFL history — 35 — but have given up more than anybody at 26.
Nobody else has given up more than 22, which both the Ravens and Rams have this season, along with the 2022 Browns. But the Steelers’ fourth-down conversion percentage allowed is worse than both.
In fact, it’s worse than almost anybody. Allowing 26 fourth-down conversions on 35 attempts, they are allowing a first down 74.3 percent of the time. Only the 2020 Browns (81.5), 2024 Jets (76.2), and 1993 Eagles (75) are worse than the Steelers, historically, among teams that have allowed at least 15 conversions.
Even during their recent winning streak, the Steelers have allowed five conversions on six fourth-down attempts. A caveat is called for there, however. The Lions officially went 1-for-2 on fourth down, the Steelers forcing an early stop near the goal line. But the game also ended on a controversial fourth-down play that didn’t count. Officially, the call on the field was a Lions touchdown, but an offensive pass interference penalty prior to that wiped it out. Time expired, and the game ended.
Bear in mind how many snaps the Steelers have had to play on defense. They rank 28th per drive on drive time allowed, 31st in plays run, and 29th in yards. And they have allowed 26th fourth-down conversions, allowing teams to either extend drives or score. There is a very real and obvious correlation when you can’t get off the field on possession downs.
In fact, third down isn’t a whole lot better, either. Among the teams that have allowed at least 15 fourth-down conversions, the Steelers have also allowed the eighth-highest third-down conversion percentage this year. Thus far, teams have converted 90 out of 213 attempts on third down, or 42.3 percent.
Mike Tomlin likes to tout the Steelers’ possession-down bona fides. Defensively, however, this is an area in which they have really lacked this year. Even on third down, they currently rank 25th, though the offense is inside or near the top 10 on both third and fourth down. But crucially, the Steelers rank in the top 10, both on offense and defense, in red-zone percentage. For the offense, 62.2 percent, and 51.9 percent on defense. That’s bend-don’t-break football. If only they could bend a little less, we’d all have better cardiac health.
