The Steelers have been AWFUL this season on third down.
Against the Patriots: The Steelers were at 25 % on third down.
Against the Seahawks: The Steelers were at 27 % on third down.
Against the 49ers: The Steelers were at 25 % on third down.
Their failures on third down, though, start on earlier downs. Pittsburgh isn't doing a good enough job at staying ahead of the chains.
By my count: only three of the Steelers last 22 third down conversion attempts have been of three yards or less. That's problematic.
The Steelers haven't set themselves up in third and manageable this year. Until they do, expect them to continue to struggle on third downs.