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We’ve all seen it. The Pittsburgh Steelers get a huge defensive stop after a long, physical drive, and here comes the high-powered offense. Ben Roethlisberger and company are about to go to work.
And after three plays Jordan Berry is on to punt the football back.
When the defense goes back on the field you can see the fatigue in their play, and it can come at a cost — points.
While every NFL team can say they have seen this same scenario play out with their team, the Pittsburgh Steelers fan base can say their offense does this the least in the NFL.
Check out the 3-and-out percentage chart below for NFL offenses, produced by ESPN’s NFL Matchup Show verified Twitter account.
Getting at least one 1st down on Offense helps to rest your D & gets the offense in rhythm.
— NFL Matchup on ESPN (@NFLMatchup) December 28, 2017
Here are the Offenses with the most and fewest 3 and outs this year!#HereWeGo #Chargers #GoPats #InBrotherhood #GoSaints #Bucs #ChiefsKingdom #DallasCowboys #RavensFlock #GoNiners pic.twitter.com/nQpNbJVLXG
Does this mean the Steelers have the best offense? No, but it does mean the team will string together at least one first down before sending the special teams unit onto the field.
While this is a very good statistic for the Pittsburgh offense, it will become vital for the team’s success to continue this trend throughout the playoffs. Keeping the opposition’s offense on the sideline, and allowing your defense to rest, is a recipe for success.