Critical Play Calls that Cost the Steelers | Tape Breakdown and Analysis

TLDRIn this video, we analyze three critical play calls made by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second half that contributed to their upset loss to the Patriots. These play calls included a missed fourth-down conversion, an incomplete pass on third down, and an unsuccessful deep ball attempt. We discuss the design of these plays and evaluate the decision-making process behind them.

Key insights

The Steelers opted for a fourth-down conversion instead of a field goal, but the play design failed to gain the necessary two yards.

On a crucial third down, the Steelers attempted a slant route instead of utilizing an open underneath option.

In a do-or-die situation, the Steelers went for a deep ball instead of focusing on getting the necessary two yards to extend the drive.

Q&A

Why did the Steelers choose to go for a fourth-down conversion instead of a field goal?

—The Steelers wanted to make it a one-possession game or at least a closer one by going for a touchdown instead of settling for a field goal.

Why did the Steelers opt for a deep ball on fourth down instead of a more conservative play?

—The decision to go for a deep ball was likely a calculated risk, as it had the potential for a big play that could have put the Steelers in a better position to win the game.

Could the Steelers have run the ball on third down and converted the first down?

—Running the ball on third down was a possibility, but the play design called for a slant route instead. The quarterback's decision to throw the slant and the wide receiver's failure to catch the pass contributed to an incomplete pass.

Why didn't the Steelers utilize an open underneath option on third down?

—The quarterback chose to target a receiver running a slant route instead of hitting the open underneath option, which could have resulted in a shorter completion and a first down.

Was the decision to go for a deep ball on fourth down a good strategy?

—The decision to go for a deep ball on fourth down can be debated. While it had the potential for a big play, it was also a riskier option than focusing on getting the necessary two yards for a first down.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Introduction and overview of the three critical play calls.

02:28Analysis of the Steelers' decision to go for a fourth-down conversion instead of a field goal.

04:35Evaluation of the Steelers' play call on third down and the missed opportunity to convert the first down.

07:19Discussion of the Steelers' decision to attempt a deep ball on fourth down instead of a shorter completion for a first down.

Browse more