Even when the Pittsburgh Steelers are down in the latter half of the game, they are never completely out of it. The 21-point fourth quarter miracle against the Baltimore Ravens helped the Steelers continue to keep pace with the best fourth quarter offenses this season.
According to Team Rankings, the Steelers are averaging 8.7 points in the fourth quarter this season, tied for third most in the NFL. The only teams ahead of the Steelers are the Denver Broncos, who are averaging 9.5 points in the fourth and the New Orleans Saints, averaging 9.2 points in the fourth.
A very obvious reason for the Steelers’ fourth quarter fire power is the play of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Not only does Roethlisberger’s play in the fourth quarter replicate that of a video game offense but his numbers do as well.
In the fourth quarter, Ben has thrown for 1182 yards, accompanied by 10 touchdowns, just 2 interceptions and has completed almost 70 percent (69.57%) of his passes. Alongside a dominant 113.9 passer rating, these are all Ben’s best body of work in any quarter.
Having a quarterback built for the fourth quarter is just one piece of a contending team but having players who can respond to adversity on the road is another. Luckily, the Steelers have both, as their fourth quarter scoring has not been limited to just Heinz Field.
In the coming weeks, The Steelers may need a 9-point fourth quarter comeback like the one they orchestrated against the Cincinnati Bengals. The ability to execute late on opposing turf could be a deciding factor for the length of the Steelers’ post season journey. The Steelers are guaranteed one home playoff game, and winning that means that their path to the Super Bowl will most likely all be on the road.
With a quarterback capable of commanding an offense in the fourth quarter and not to mention, the plethora of backup quarterbacks sprinkled in the AFC playoff bracket, the Steelers are setting themselves up for a long post season run.
Now can they deliver?
