THIRD-AND-LONG = DEATH

Here's an excerpt from my most recent TribLive.com column:

The Steelers’ offensive problems will come home to roost when they face third-and-long. When it’s third-and-7 or longer.

That might as well be third-and-a-mile.

Pickens, as the only legit receiver, will get doubled and tripled into invisibility.

Who’s going to get open, Calvin Austin III? He should sneak a stepladder onto the field.

Maybe Mt. Washington will show off his hands of stone.

Perhaps Fields can run a quarterback draw. Or he could run the wishbone with Harris and Jaylen Warren in the same backfield. I bet that’s Fields’ package of plays.

The Steelers likely will stick with something tried-and-true when it’s third-and-long: throw short of the sticks.

To read the entire column, click HERE.

The Steelers' offense is going to struggle mightily in certain areas.

In addition to third-and-long situations, the Steelers will be cooked when they trail by more than one score in the second quarter or later.

That offense won't score quick. It won't score in bunches. It might be able to manage a lead. It won't rally from big deficits.