Notable headlines surrounding America’s team.
Dak Prescott justifies record contract with incredible game-winning drive vs. Steelers – Jerry Trotta, The Landry Hat
It wasn’t Dak Prescott’s best game, but he delivered when the team needed it.
While Prescott authored a statement drive in the third quarter to regain the lead and the game-winning drive late in the fourth quarter, it was his three turnovers, including an interception and a fumble in the red zone, as to why the Cowboys even had a deficit to overcome.
They could have been up by as many as two touchdowns in the first half had Prescott taken better care of the football. Prescott was essentially making up for his own mistakes, but the Cowboys gave him a record-setting contract before the season to deliver with the game on the line and he did just that.
With Dallas’ season potentially hanging in the balance, Prescott connected with Jalen Tolbert on 4th-and-goal for the game-winning touchdown.
Cowboys’ Dak Prescott throws game-winning TD in final seconds vs. Steelers
The Prescott haters were out in full force throughout the game. Rightfully so. Each of his three turnovers were worse than the last. His interception in the third quarter came on a needless deep shot while the Cowboys were clinging to a three-point lead. However, Prescott was paid to make that drive and he did.
Just as folks were ready to put the loss on Dak’s shoulders, he deserves credit for the win.
Unsung heroes Tolbert, Dowdle lead Cowboys to last-minute win vs Steelers, 20-17 – K.D. Drummond, Cowboys Wire
Two young players stepped up today.
The Dallas Cowboys were extremely shorthanded entering Sunday night’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Down a slew of key defenders to begin with, they then had to sit through an hour and a half weather delay as storms passed through Acrisure Stadium. On their first defensive drive, they lost Marshawn Kneeland to a knee injury, as he was filling in for DeMarcus Lawrence and Micah Parsons. Quarterback Dak Prescott fumbled first and then threw a red-zone interception later, adding a third turnover in the second half on a deep pass.
It didn’t matter. Thanks to RB Rico Dowdle and WR Jalen Tolbert’s career days, the Cowboys had just enough offense to pull out a final-drive victory over the Steelers when on fourth down Prescott found Tolbert on a cross right over the goal line. Dallas’ second touchdown of the night, right before 1 am on the east coast, gave the team a 20-17 win.
The victory improved the Cowboys to 3-2 on the young season, notching their first winning streak of 2024. The loss dropped the Steelers to a similar record.
Tolbert finished the game with a career and team-high 87 receiving yards, which went hand-in-hand with Dowdle’s career high 87 rushing yards. Dowdle also caught two passes for 27 yards and the first score of the game.
Gamebreakers: Cowboys who clawed vs. Steelers – Patrik Walker, DallasCowboys.com
There is plenty of admiration to go around.
Linval Joseph, DT
The reason the Cowboys signed Joseph was to add physicality and depth to the interior of the defensive line and, against the Steelers, he showed exactly what that looks like. He also put some perserverence on film, an illegal hands to the face penalty on the second drive of the game by the Steelers, acquitting himself by demolishing his blocker on the same drive and not only sacking Justin Fields, but also forcing a fumble. It was recovered by the Steelers, but Joseph sent a very real message as he continues to improve week-over-week in Dallas.
Chauncey Golston, DE
No Micah Parsons. No DeMarcus Lawrence. No Marshawn Kneeland. This put a ton of the heat Chauncey Golston to step up in a major way, and he more than played his part in helping the defense make it a long day for Fields — whom he drew a penalty on for roughing the quarterback that was a comedically terrible call on a damn good football play. Golston was also effective in run defense, helping to bottle up Najee Harris and Co. on a regular basis.
Cowboys find a way to win late on Sunday Night, defeat Steelers 20-17 – Shane Taylor, Inside The Star
Two straight primetime wins for the Cowboys.
First Half
The offense was able to pick up one first down on the opening drive, but, like normal, settled for a 55-yard field goal from Brandon Aubrey.
One thing I noticed is that the offense was trying to get the ball out as quickly as possible to avoid a quick rush from T.J Watt. They made sure two bodies touched him every time Dak dropped back to pass.
The defense took another hit. On the 5th or 6th play, Marshawn Kneeland was helped off the field. It sounded like he might have torn his ACL.
He was carted to the locker room after he got off the field.
When it rains it pours for this Cowboys team.
The Steelers drew up plenty of runs for Fields, and the Cowboys had no answers for it. Bend but don’t break from the defense had to be the motto.
Mike McCarthy continued to make me scratch my head the entire first half. Jalen Brooks made a catch in the first quater that was clearly a first down. He didn’t throw the challenge flag.
Then on the next drive, he threw it when Justin Fields fumbled, but clearly recovered, costing the Cowboys a timeout for no reason!
After a 3-3 game, the Cowboys’ offense moved the ball inside the red zone, but a sack from Watt forced a fumble by Dak Prescott.
It was the most Cowboys drive of all time. It is so hard to watch sometimes. The defense played out of their minds in the first half.
Cowboys lose yet another starter on the defensive line during SNF- Randy Gurzi, Sports Illustrated
A thin position group got thinner on Sunday.
After a 90-minute weather delay, the Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers got things started on Sunday Night Football. Dallas got the ball first following the long delay and scored three points thanks to a 55-yard field goal from Brandon Aubrey.
Their defense then took the field and quickly saw one of their key players go down. Defensive end Marshawn Kneeland helped stop Justin Fields on a five-yard run but struggled to get up afterward.
Kneeland suffered an apparent knee injury and couldn’t put weight on his right leg. He was helped to the medical tent, and while there’s been no news, it looked as though he was dealing with a serious issue.
It’s never good to see a player hurt, but this is a major concern for Dallas since they’re already without DeMarcus Lawrence — who was placed on the IR — and Michah Parsons.
Sam Williams was supposed to be another key defender, but he never saw the regular season as he suffered a torn ACL in training camp.
Dallas is down to Tyrus Wheat, Carl Lawson, and Chauncey Golston at defensive end.
