dlollley@observer-reporter.com
PITTSBURGH - The top third-down offense in the NFL doesn't reside in Indianapolis and isn't quarterbacked by Tom Brady.
The Steelers have converted an impressive 55.1 percent of their third downs into first downs, just a hair better than Indianapolis' explosive offense, which is converting at a 53.9 rate, and New England's all-world group, which is converting at a 48.8 rate.
On Monday night, the Steelers (5-2) will run into a Baltimore team that is holding opponents to a 33 percent conversion rate on third downs, well below the league average of 41 percent.
And considering the Steelers were successful on only three of 26 third-down plays in two games - both losses - against the Ravens last season, it could be the key down in this game.
"They're great at getting off the field on third down," Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said of the ravens' defense. "That has been a strength of what we do offensively. Our ability to move the chains and stay on the field in third-down situations against one of the top-notch defensive teams in football is going to be a big component of this football game."
Tomlin made converting third downs a point of emphasis throughout the Steelers' offseason workout program and training camp. And it's paid off.
The Steelers converted 42.9 percent of their third downs last season, which is right around the NFL average but nowhere near this year's rate.
The Steelers have turned a third-down conversion portion of their practice into a contest between the offense and defense, a competition neither unit wants to lose.
"We compete on third downs. We don't practice it, we compete," wide receiver Santonio Holmes said. "I'd say it's about 50-50 right now at this point, but I think that's probably what drives us in getting our third-down conversions."
Another reason could be the emergence of Holmes and tight end Heath Miller in the passing attack, and Najeh Davenport as a short-yardage runner.
In recent seasons, opponents could double cover wide receiver Hines Ward on third downs and shut down Pittsburgh's offense. But this season, Ward - who missed two games to injury - is third behind Holmes (11) and Miller (10) in third-down receptions with seven. Davenport has converted all four of his third-and-one runs.
"A lot of us guys are willing to step up and make those plays on third down," Holmes said.
It also helps that the Steelers have given themselves an easier time by not getting into many third-and-long situations.
"We've done well on first and second, and it's gotten us into manageable third-down situations," said quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who is averaging an NFL-best 9.42 yards per pass attempt on third down.
"When we're in manageable third-down situations, we seem to find ways to get it done."