Dallas Cowboys vs Steelers Stats Breakdown: Key Plays and Standouts

The Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers faced off in an intense showdown, adding another chapter to one of the NFL’s most storied rivalries. Fans were treated to a hard-fought game filled with standout performances, clutch plays, and pivotal moments.

In this article, we’ll break down the key stats from the game, highlight the top performers, and analyze how the game unfolded quarter by quarter.

Game Overview

Final Score:

• Dallas Cowboys: 27
• Pittsburgh Steelers: 21

The game remained competitive until the final minutes, with both teams trading leads and momentum shifts. The Dallas Cowboys’ defense stepped up in the fourth quarter to seal the win with a crucial interception.

Team Stats Comparison

Both teams moved the ball effectively, but the Dallas Cowboys’ ability to convert on third down and win the turnover battle proved to be the deciding factor.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

First Quarter:

• The Dallas Cowboys opened the scoring with a 45-yard field goal by Brandon Aubrey.
• The Steelers responded with a touchdown on a 12-yard pass from Kenny Pickett to George Pickens.

Score: Steelers 7, Cowboys 3

Second Quarter:

• Dak Prescott led a 75-yard drive, ending with a 5-yard touchdown pass to CeeDee Lamb.
• The Cowboys’ defense forced a fumble, leading to another touchdown—a 10-yard rush by Tony Pollard.
• The Steelers answered with a field goal just before halftime.

Score: Cowboys 17, Steelers 10

Third Quarter:

• The Steelers opened the half with a 65-yard drive, capped by a Najee Harris rushing touchdown.
• The Cowboys added a field goal to extend their lead.

Score: Cowboys 20, Steelers 17

Fourth Quarter:

• The Steelers briefly took the lead with a field goal.
• Dak Prescott connected with Brandin Cooks on a 35-yard touchdown pass.
• The Cowboys’ defense sealed the win with an interception by Trevon Diggs in the final two minutes.

Final Score: Cowboys 27, Steelers 21

Top Performers

Dallas Cowboys:

• Dak Prescott (QB):
  • 24/32 passing, 285 yards, 2 touchdowns, 0 interceptions
• CeeDee Lamb (WR):
  • 8 receptions, 110 yards, 1 touchdown
• Tony Pollard (RB):
  • 18 carries, 95 yards, 1 touchdown
• Micah Parsons (LB):
  • 7 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble

Pittsburgh Steelers:

• Kenny Pickett (QB):
  • 21/29 passing, 260 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception
• George Pickens (WR):
  • 6 receptions, 98 yards, 1 touchdown
• Najee Harris (RB):
  • 17 carries, 85 yards, 1 touchdown
• T.J. Watt (LB):
  • 6 tackles, 2 sacks

Key Stats and Takeaways

1. Turnovers Made the Difference

• The Cowboys forced two turnovers, including a game-sealing interception in the fourth quarter.
• The Steelers’ lone turnover came in the third quarter, halting a promising drive.

2. Strong Passing Game by Dak Prescott

• Prescott’s accuracy and decision-making were key to the Cowboys’ success.
• He connected with seven different receivers, keeping the Steelers’ defense off balance.

3. Efficient Third Down Conversion

• The Cowboys converted 58% of their third downs, sustaining drives and keeping possession.
• The Steelers struggled on key third downs, especially in the second half.

Defensive Standouts

Cowboys Defense:

• Trevon Diggs recorded a crucial interception in the final two minutes.
• Micah Parsons applied consistent pressure on Pickett, recording two sacks.

Steelers Defense:

• T.J. Watt’s two sacks kept Prescott under pressure for most of the game.
• Minkah Fitzpatrick recorded 8 tackles and one pass breakup.

Coaching Decisions and Strategy

Cowboys:

• Head coach Mike McCarthy’s decision to run the ball effectively set up play-action opportunities.
• The Cowboys’ balanced offense forced the Steelers to adjust throughout the game.

Steelers:

• The Steelers’ offensive strategy leaned heavily on Pickens and Harris.
• Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin’s decision to blitz Prescott backfired late in the game when Prescott connected on a deep pass to Cooks.

Injury Report

Dallas Cowboys:

• Zack Martin (G): Left the game with a minor ankle injury, expected to return next week.
• Michael Gallup (WR): Limited with a hamstring issue, but finished the game.

Pittsburgh Steelers:

• Pat Freiermuth (TE): Left in the second quarter with a shoulder injury, status uncertain.
• Alex Highsmith (LB): Left with a knee injury in the third quarter, undergoing further evaluation.

Post-Game Reactions

Dak Prescott (Cowboys QB):

“We knew it was going to be a tough game. The Steelers have a great defense, but we stayed composed and executed when it mattered most.”

Mike Tomlin (Steelers Coach):

“We had opportunities to close it out, but mistakes in key moments cost us. We’ll regroup and fix those issues.”

What’s Next

Dallas Cowboys:

• The Cowboys will face the Philadelphia Eagles next week in a crucial divisional matchup.
• Prescott and Lamb will look to continue their strong connection.

Pittsburgh Steelers:

• The Steelers will host the Baltimore Ravens in another high-stakes AFC North clash.
• The focus will be on improving their third-down efficiency and protecting Pickett in the pocket.

Conclusion

The Dallas Cowboys’ victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers showcased the strength of their balanced offense and aggressive defense. Dak Prescott’s accurate passing and Micah Parsons’ defensive leadership were key factors in securing the win.

The Steelers showed flashes of brilliance, but costly turnovers and missed opportunities ultimately decided the game. As both teams prepare for their next matchups, this game highlighted areas of strength and opportunities for improvement.

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