ARLINGTON, Texas — The Pittsburgh Steelers remain undefeated in a 24-19 victory over the Dallas Cowboys. Despite the loss, Dallas made significant strides in all three phases of the game and fought hard until the end, but self-inflicted penalties in the fourth quarter contributed to the loss.
Offense
No one expected the Cowboys to have a chance with a fourth string quarterback going up against the Steelers’ fifth-ranked defense but Garrett Gilbert delivered a star performance and frankly, earned the right to start for the remainder of the season. He showed poise in and out of the pocket and took command of the huddle with confidence. He came in and looked like a veteran, finishing 21-of-38 for 243 yards and a touchdown.
Gilbert did not hold onto the ball too long, showcased his ability to extend drives using his legs, and had accurate ball placement. The team responded to him and offensive momentum was built. The Cowboys had only scored 12 points combined in the previous two games against division opponents but with Gilbert under center, the club scored 13 points before halftime against the Steelers, including a 32-yard bomb to Amari Cooper in his first series.
However, Dallas only reached the end zone in the second quarter when CeeDee Lamb beat T.J. Watt in coverage on a mismatch and caught a 20-yard pass from Gilbert for the touchdown. His “only negative” according to Mike McCarthy postgame, was the turnover. Gilbert threw an interception into the end zone in the fourth quarter, when he should have taken the sack. Dalton will potentially return after the bye week if he has recovered from COVID-19 and a decision will have to be made.
Tony Pollard moved the chains on the ground and took advantage of his snaps, ending the game with nine carries for 57 yards. The second-year back ran with power and decisiveness, capitalizing on holes provided by the offensive line up front. Pollard had patience in the backfield and when a seam opened, he hit it. He had two 20-yard runs and the Cowboys finished with 144 total rushing yards. Ezekiel Elliott was a game-time decision with a hamstring injury after being limited throughout the week at practice. Zeke played and showed flashes (18 carries, 51 yards) but Pollard impressed with more burst than the team’s highest paid ‘every-down’ back. Dallas did not have to fight from behind and were able to establish the run but have to be able to do so more consistently.
Defense
For the majority of the ballgame, the unit built off last week’s four takeaway performance. The defense showed improvement against the run, limiting the Steelers to fewer than 50 rushing yards (46), a team that was averaging 118 yards-per-game on the ground. Rookie Neville Gallimore had an outstanding game plugging holes in the interior and elevating the play of the defensive lineman around him, including DeMarcus Lawrence, Tyrone Crawford, and Randy Gregory.
In the end, ironically the defense cost Dallas the ballgame. In the fourth quarter, a costly penalty was called on Jaylon Smith that helped the Steelers extend the drive and ultimately cash in with a touchdown and the team’s first lead of the game as Eric Ebron hurdled over Saivion Smith into the end zone.
Following the loss, DeMarcus Lawrence summed up the game stating “ We raised the bar…got to do a better job in the fourth quarter holding it together.”
Special Teams
The unit stepped up and created a spark to put the Cowboys in better field position. Rico Dowdle had a 64-yard kick return and a lateral pass from Cedrick Wilson to C.J. Goodwin resulted in a 70-yard gain given up by the Steelers on a punt return. In addition, Greg Zuerlein made all four field goals and the Cowboys’ special teams’ unit that had been a laughingstock made a remarkable impact in the ballgame.
