Time Outs

Is there another team in the NFL which uses their timeouts on first downs other than the Steelers. For a few weeks in a row, in my opinion, the Steelers have used their timeouts foolishly. If you just got a first down, there is no way you should need to call a timeout. They are better off taking the 5 yard penalty. Or better yet, get to the line and call a play. Obviously, if its second or third and short, you need the timeout. Even in the second half last week, we used a timeout in the third qtr that we may have needed later. I would like us to be more prudent in how we use them.

 

Alex Smith and the 49ers do it all the time. Actually, they do it less now since they have their stuff together a little bit on offense, but in recent years it'd happen like twice a game.

If it's the first half, I don't really have a problem with it. But I agree there are situations when a delay of game might be better. I remember Elway doing that once or twice. Nowadays it seems no one even considers it.