Following are the Steelers offense RUSHING rankings per down and in the red area based on PER PLAY. This is another reason why the use of total yardage should not be mentioned when discussing team stats. The rankings are based on the value the Steelers running game received on a play per play average against the other 31 teams.

2007 steelers rushing rankings

1st down #22 (unacceptable)
2nd down #27 (unacceptable)
3rd down #1
Red Zone #26 (unacceptable)

2006

1st down #20 (wasn't much better)
2nd down #26 (wasn't much better)
3rd down #15
Red Zone #25 (wasn't much better)

2005

1st down #14
2nd down #6
3rd down #24
Red Zone #8

2004

1st down #11
2nd down #11
3rd down #2
Red Zone #12