No team attempted more two-point conversions than the Pittsburgh Steelers last season.
That won’t change if quarterback Ben Roethlisberger gets his way. In fact, Big Ben wants the Steelers to go for two after every touchdown the team scores next season, and head coach Mike Tomlin hasn’t dismissed the idea.
“Why not?” Roethlisberger said, via ESPN. “Put it in our hands. I want the ball. Any player would relish that opportunity.”
The Steelers converted a league-high eight of 11 attempts last season, when the NFL officially shifted the extra point attempt back to the 15-yard line. During a September game against the San Francisco 49ers, the Steelers went for two after two first-half touchdowns, converting both chances.
It is difficult to imagine Tomlin signing off on a two-point attempt after every touchdown, but the Steelers have the history of success and offensive personnel to make it worth the while. With a veteran quarterback in Roethsliberger, a multi-talented running back in Le’Veon Bell and arguably the game’s best receiver in Antonio Brown (plus a number of strong secondary pieces, such as Markus Wheaton, LaDarius Green and Sammie Coates), Pittsburgh would be tough to consistently stop from the two-yard line.
Like last year, the Steelers will be the team to watch after touchdowns early in the year. If Roethlisberger can stay healthy, it wouldn’t be surprising if Pittsburgh ditched the conventional way and went for two more so than other teams.
The real story will be if Tomlin continues to give up the (mostly) free point from the 15-yard line and consistently goes for two deep into the season and during the playoffs. It’s far easier from a coaching standpoint to go for two during a September game against an NFC team; it’d be much different to do the same during a win-or-go-home playoff game.
In related news: It might not be wise to draft the Steelers kicker in fantasy football.