Steelers rank last in NFL in fourth-down attempts, fourth

Don’t talk to Mike Tomlin about analytics.

In an era when NFL coaches are much more aggressive on fourth downs than they used to be, following the leads of analytics models that generally prefer going for it more on fourth down, Tomlin is decidedly old-fashioned: The Steelers have gone for it on fourth down just four times this season, and converted fourth downs only twice.

That ranks dead last in the league, in both categories. The Steelers have gone for it on fourth down less than any other team, and have converted a first down on fourth down less than any other team.

Tomlin acknowledged after Sunday night’s loss to the Packers, when kicker Chris Boswell was 4-for-4 on field goals, that it would have been better to keep the offense on the field and score seven than to send in the kick