The Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers reignited something of a rivalry on “Sunday Night Football” in Week 5, but the game was marred by a weather delay, leading to a defensive battle on the field. The Cowboys, with a depleted defense, held on for a 10-6 victory, highlighting the struggles both teams have faced on offense. The game began with a delay due to severe thunderstorms and lightning strikes in the Pittsburgh area. The game was delayed for over an hour before finally kicking off, the field soaked from the heavy rainfall.
The first two quarters were a defensive battle, with the Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott making uncharacteristic mistakes to cost his team points. Prescott and Co. have moved the ball well in the first two quarters, tallying 202 total yards. Prescott is 15-for-20 for 188 passing yards, but the story coming out of the first half is his fumble and inexcusable interception that ended two promising possessions for Dallas.
Despite the struggles on offense, the Cowboys' defense held up on their end, holding the Steelers to 89 total yards and three points despite coming into the matchup with several injuries to key players.
The Steelers started the second half with the football and came out firing to take their first lead of the night. Following quarterback Justin Fields taking a big hit that required him to get checked out for a concussion, Pittsburgh continued to orchestrate a six-play 72-yard drive that ended with Fields hitting tight end Connor Heyward for a 16-yard touchdown pass to go up 10-6.
The Cowboys got into scoring range after a 34-yard connection between Dak Prescott and Kavonte Turpin, but a T.J. Watt sack derailed the drive.
Dallas settled for a 38-yard field goal, but Brandon Aubrey's attempt was blocked by Isaiahh Loudermilk. That allowed the Steelers to retain their four-point lead.
The Cowboys' defense ultimately shut down the Steelers' offense, preventing them from scoring another point in the second half. The Cowboys held the Steelers to just 158 total yards for the game. They forced Fields to throw for just 117 yards and one touchdown, while the Steelers' rushing game struggled to gain any traction. The Cowboys also forced three turnovers, including a fumble and an interception.
The Cowboys will look to avoid red-zone mistakes going forward. The Steelers will look for Fields to provide more of a spark to their offense, whether on the ground or through the air. This game was a testament to how important defense can be in the NFL. The Cowboys' defense saved the day for Dallas, despite their offensive struggles.
Dallas' Defensive Dominance
The Cowboys defense held the Steelers' offense in check throughout the game. The Steelers entered the game as one of the NFL's most potent rushing offenses, but the Cowboys held them to just 41 yards on the ground.
The Cowboys' defensive line was a dominant force against the Steelers' offensive line. They were able to generate a consistent pass rush, forcing Fields to make quick decisions and throw the ball before he wanted to. The Cowboys also did a great job of tackling in space, limiting the Steelers' ability to make big plays.
Micah Parsons, the Cowboys' star linebacker, missed the game due to a sprained ankle. He will be a key part of the Cowboys' defense moving forward. The Cowboys' defense will be looking to build on this performance in the weeks ahead.
Steelers' Struggles on Offense
The Steelers' offense had a tough night against the Cowboys' defense. Fields struggled to get the ball downfield, and the Steelers' rushing attack was largely ineffective.
The Steelers' offensive line did not provide Fields with adequate protection. Fields was sacked five times and hit numerous other times. This made it difficult for him to make plays downfield. Fields was unable to establish any kind of rhythm.
The Steelers' offense will need to play better if they want to have a chance of winning. They will need to find a way to protect Fields better and give him more time to throw the ball. They will also need to find a way to get their rushing attack going.
The Weather's Impact
The game was delayed for over an hour due to severe thunderstorms and lightning strikes in the Pittsburgh area. This delay had a significant impact on the game. The field was soaked from the heavy rainfall. The rain made it difficult for both teams to get a good grip on the ball, which led to several fumbles. This had a significant impact on the game.
Looking Ahead
The Cowboys and Steelers are both looking to bounce back after a rough start to the season. The Cowboys have a bye in Week 7 before they take on the San Francisco 49ers in Week 8. The Steelers will look to get back on track when they host the Buffalo Bills in Week 6.
A Night of Defense
The Cowboys' defense was able to contain the Steelers' offense, leading to a 10-6 victory. The Cowboys' defense stepped up in a big way in the game. The Steelers' offense struggled to move the ball, and the Cowboys' defense was able to force turnovers and get a key stop in the fourth quarter.
The Cowboys' defense will be a key factor in their success moving forward. They're hoping that their defense can carry them to victory. The Cowboys will be hoping that Parsons is back on the field soon, but until then, they will be relying on the rest of their defense to carry the load.
