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Steeler Nation is a world-wide army that follows the legendary Pittsburgh Steelers. The Six-Time Super Bowl Champions are a franchise whose tradition dictates a standard of excellence, and their fans expect nothing less year in and year out. Those very same ideals translate to the ultimate Pittsburgh Steelers Game Day Preview, a guide that all Steelers fans read weekly to learn everything they need to know about their team and weekly opponent!
Mike Drakulich, the man behind Pittsburgh SportsNation (@PghSportsNation), who covers both Pitt football and the Steelers for NGSC Sports, brings you inside the huddle for both teams providing all NFL fans with The PSN Game Commentary, Game Prediction, Broadcast Information, and a complete breakdown of each team.
The Pittsburgh SportsNation Game Commentary
There are few rivalries in the NFL that transcend time.
The Pittsburgh Steelers against the Dallas Cowboys are one of them.
Though the two teams have only met thirty-three times, three of those match-ups were in the Super Bowl, with the Steelers taking down the Cowboys in Super Bowl X and XIII, and Dallas getting revenge in XXX.
Both teams are worldwide brands with fans that span every corner of the earth.
For the first time since 1982, these two legendary teams will meet in Prime Time, under the lights at Acrisure Stadium, for Sunday Night Football on NBC.
“Bunch of trophies, bunch of great players — you can’t talk about the NFL without talking about these two teams,” said Steelers defensive end Cam Heyward. “They have their Troy Aikmans, their Emmit Smiths. We have our Joe Greenes, Jack Lamberts, Troy Polamalus. You can go down the list. I think it’s brewing for a good game.”
Much is at stake for both teams.
The Steelers (3-1) are coming off a stinging loss to the Colts, in which they fell short of coming back to win despite being down 17-0.
The Cowboys are 2-2, and need a win to keep pace with the division leading Washington Commanders.
Pittsburgh fell victim to untimely turnovers, a failure by head coach Mike Tomlin to adjust his defense until they were down 17 points, in addition to not challenging the play where it appeared Najee Harris had a first down, but was ruled short. Then on the next play, a 4th and inches, the play-call was maddeningly set in the shot-gun formation, and when Justin Fields took the snap and tried to run for the sticks, was tackled a full yard short.
Why in thee hell would you not line up Fields under center and have the 6’3 super athlete fall forward to get the easy first down?
Hasn’t anyone learned from how the Eagles and Jalen Hurts execute that play to perfection every time?
Fields and the Pittsburgh offense face a reeling Dallas defense that is ranked 27th, giving up 26 points per game, and a run defense that is 26th, allowing 145.7 yards per game on the ground.
To make matters worse, the Cowboys will be without their two starting defensive ends in DeMarcus Lawrence, and Micah Parsons.
Fields and the Pittsburgh offense has to get off to better starts than they have in the first four games, scoring only ten points total so far.
That’s less than a field goal for you stats people.
It would behoove Tomlin and offensive coordinator Artur Smith to turn Fields loose the entire game, not just when down 17.
When the clamps were taken off Fields, he had the Steelers offense rolling, throwing for 312 yards and a touchdown, while adding 55 yards rushing and two more touchdowns.
“In that second half, it was cool to watch as a coach and a play caller when he gets in that kind of flow,” Smith said. “He damn near took that game over. It didn’t matter what I called. You just felt it rolling.”
Najee Harris will have to elevate his game with both Jaylen Warren and Cordarrelle Patterson out.
“I get hyped for any game, man,” said Harris. “I’m excited just to be in the NFL in general. The Cowboys alone, they’re a great team, great history — ‘America’s Team.’ And the Steelers have a great team, great history. Man, to be a part of it is just kind of like playing in the Ravens game and being part of that. It’s a blessing.”
Aaron Shampklin will be the primary back-up.
Outside of George Pickens, the rest of the Pittsburgh wide outs have done next to nothing.
For some reason, the team has yet to activate third round pick Roman Wilson, who had been practicing fully for over two weeks now.
In the meantime, SteelerNation awaits to see if the team can acquire WR Davante Adams from the Raiders to help boost this struggling wide receiver room.
The offensive line will get a boost with guard Isaac Seumalo returning as a starter. Unfortunately, the team lost James Daniels to a season ending injury, but rookie Mason McCormick should do well in his place.
Dallas, of course, has the enigmatic Dak Prescott at quarterback, who seems to shine until the real pressure begins.
So far through four games, Prescott has thrown for 1,072 yards with six touchdowns and two interceptions. He has been sacked 10 times.
Prescott’s lone weapon at receiver has been CeeDee Lamb, one of the league’s best. Lamb has caught 20 passes for 316 yards and two touchdowns. Brandin Cooks was listed as #2 on the depth chart, but is out this week with a knee infection. Third year pro Jalen Tolbert will be opposite of Lamb, and has done well so far, with 13 receptions for 160 yards and a touchdown.
Tight end Jake Ferguson is 2nd on the team with 16 catches for 159 yards, but has yet to find the endzone.
The Dallas run-game has been nonexistent, averaging a paltry 75.3 yards a game, with Rico Dowdle leading the way with just 134 yards. His back-up, Ezekiel Elliot, once one of the best in the game, has only 81 yards and a touchdown in four games.
The Pittsburgh defense has to pressure Prescott and make this team even more one dimensional than they already are.
T.J. Watt and Nick Herbig have to make Prescott’s life miserable every time he drops back to pass, hopefully forcing some bad throws that result in a turnover or two.
Joey Porter, Jr. will have his hands full covering Lamb, but he has the skills to keep Lamb from taking over the game.
Dallas likes to send Lamb in motion a lot, so it remains to be seen if Porter will follow him wherever he goes.
“I don’t know if I’ll be traveling in the slot or not,” Porter said. “We know he likes to move around a lot. Our whole goal is trying to minimize him getting the ball. Whatever that is by gameday, we will try to do it to the best of our ability. He and Dak have had a good tandem going on for a while now. They are definitely our main objective.”
All in all, this is Prime Time… under the lights, against a rival. These are the times the Steelers always seem to shine the brightest in.
Last week was a bad loss, but it was a game that showed this team’s resolve when facing adversity. They never gave up, and were that close to making the comeback complete.
Now the team can take the sting of that loss away by taking care of business Sunday night against the Cowboys.
Look for the Steelers defense to keep the Dallas run game quiet as usual, and cause havoc around Prescott in the pocket. This could be the game where Fields and the Steelers get off to a good start, and force the Cowboys to play from behind, which is a position they certainly don’t want to be in.
Look for Harris to have a big day on the ground, gaining at least 75 yards or more, and for Fields to lead this team to several drives ending in the endzone. Week by week, this offense is getting better (and would be even better if Roman Wilson got a helmet), and this seems like a week where it all comes together.
Steelers win by double digits, and yes, that final score is karma…
Prediction: Steelers 27 Cowboys 17
Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1) vs Dallas Cowboys (2-2)
NFL Week 5
Vegas line: Pittsburgh -2,5
Game-time: Sunday, October 6th, at 8:20 PM
Venue: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA.
- Field: Natural Grass
Weather at kickoff:
Broadcast Information
TV: NBC (Local: WPXI-TV channel 811 on Xfinity)
- Announcers: Mike Tirico (play-by-play) Cris Collinsworth (analyst) | Melissa Stark (field reporter)
Local Radio: Pittsburgh- 102.5 WDVE-FM & 970 WBGG-AM
- Announcers: Rob King (play-by-play) Craig Wolfley (analyst) | Max Starks (sideline)
National Radio: N/A
- Announcers:
Internet broadcast: Steelers Nation Radio (SNR) on Steelers.com
NFL Links
Scouting the Pittsburgh Steelers
Overall record: 3-1 (1st in AFC North)
Last Game: Indianapolis 27 Pittsburgh 24
Head Coach: Mike Tomlin
- 18th Season with Steelers
- Overall regular-season record: 176-101-2
- Playoff record: 8-10 (Qualified for playoffs 11 times)
Team Links
- Pittsburgh Steelers Team Roster
- Steelers Team/Individual Statistics
- Pittsburgh Steelers 2024 Schedule
Steelers Offense
- Offensive Coordinator: Arthur Smith
Offensive Stats
- Points per game: 18.8 (22nd)
- Total yards per game: 336 (17th)
- Passing yards per game: 207.5 (20th)
- Rushing yards per game: 128.5 (10th)
QUARTERBACK
Justin Fields | #2
Fields has been named the starter with Russell Wilson nursing an injured calf. Fields had been kept under wraps in his first two starts, but had his best game of the season when he was unleashed last week vs the Chargers.
Passing Yards: 830 | TD Passes: 3 | INT’s: 1 | Sacked: 10
Rushing Yards: 145 | Rushing TD’s: 3
Back-up: Russell Wilson | #3
Wilson was slated to be the starting quarterback, but a calf injury has kept him off the field for the majority of training camp, and now four weeks into the season.
Passing Yards: 0 | TD Passes: 0 | INT’s: 0 | Sacked: 0
Rushing Yards: 0 | Rushing TD’s: 0
RUNNING BACKS
Najee Harris | #22
Harris has a bruising style of carrying the ball with a touch of finesse when needed. Good hands out of the backfield. Needs to be quicker to the hole and accelerate.
Rushing Yards: 228 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 10 | Receiving Yards: 84 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Jaylen Warren* | #30
Warren is a wrecking ball that always seems to get positive yardage. He is a perfect change of pace back next to Harris and should see a minimum of 5-10 carries a game when healthy.
Rushing Yards: 54 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 5 | Receiving Yards: 28 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Cordarrelle Patterson* | #84
Patterson sees plenty of time on special teams, but with his speed and game-breaking ability, has also been utilized in both rushing and catching passes out of the backfield with Warren less than 100%.
Rushing Yards: 92 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 5 | Receiving Yards: 34 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Aaron Shampklin | #33
Rushing Yards: 5 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 5 | Receiving Yards: 34 | Receiving TD’s: 0
WIDE RECEIVERS
George Pickens | #14
Pickens is undoubtedly the top receiving threat in the Pittsburgh passing game.
Receptions: 20 | Receiving Yards: 284 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Van Jefferson | #11
Jefferson signed with this team and seemed nothing more than an afterthought. His hard work and effort throughout camp and preseason impressed many, but he’s been silent in the first four games of the year.
Receptions: 5 | Receiving Yards: 36 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Roman Wilson | #10
Wilson, the rookie out of Michigan, will get his chance to show off his skills early on, especially after he shakes off the rust from being out with an injured ankle for most of training camp.
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Rushing Yards: 0 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Calvin Austin III | #19
Austin III has plenty of skills to shine in this league. Now it’s time for Arthur Smith to get him the ball in space.
Receptions: 7 | Receiving Yards: 125 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Scotty Miller | #13
Miller provides a veteran presence that could lead him to a few targets during a game.
Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: 31 | Receiving TD’s: 0
TIGHT ENDS
Pat Freiermuth | #88
Freiermuth became an afterthought in the offense under Matt Canada, but under Arthur Smith, the talented tight end out of Penn State could be headed for a career year in receptions.
Receptions: 17 | Receiving Yards: 156 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Conner Heyward | #83
Heyward is a jack of all trades, lining up at tight end, full back, and anywhere the team needs him to take advantage of his versatility.
Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 2 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Darnell Washington | #80
Mount Washington is an imposing figure that could see plenty of looks inside the redzone, as he did when he caught his first career touchdown pass vs the Broncos in week two.
Receptions: 4 | Receiving Yards: 41 | Receiving TD’s: 1
MyCole Pruitt | #81
Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 9 | Receiving TD’s: 0
OFFENSIVE LINE
LT: Dan Moore| #65
LG: Isaac Seumalo | #73
C: Zach Frazier | #54
RG: Mason McCormick | #66
RT: Broderick Jones | #77
*Injured/Out
Steelers Defense
- Defensive Coordinator: Teryl Austin
- Defensive System: 3-4
Defensive Stats
- Points per game allowed: 13.2 (2nd)
- Total offense yards per game allowed: 261.2 (4th)
- Passing yards allowed: 174.5 (8th)
- Rushing yards allowed: 86.6 (4th)
- Sacks: 11 (13th)
- Interceptions: 4 (5th)
DEFENSIVE LINE
DT: Cam Heyward | #97
Tackles: 17 | Sacks: 2
NT: Keeanu Benton | #95
Tackles: 9 | Sacks: 0
DE: Larry Ogunjobi | #99
Tackles: 14 | Sacks: 0.5
LINEBACKERS
OLB: T.J. Watt | #90
Tackles: 12 | Sacks: 3
ILB: Patrick Queen | #6
Tackles: 21 | Sacks: 0
ILB: Elandon Roberts | #50
Tackles: 9 | Sacks: 1
OLB: Nick Herbig | #51
Tackles: 6 | Sacks: 2
SECONDARY
CB: Joey Porter, Jr. | #24
Tackles: 13 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
FS: Minkah Fitzpatrick | #39
Tackles: 25 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
SS: DeShon Elliot | #25
Tackles: 30 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
CB: Donte Jackson | #26
Tackles: 13 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
Steelers Special Teams
PLACEKICKER
Chris Boswell | #9
Extra Points: 6-6
Field Goals: 11-12
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 2-2
- 30-39 yards: 2-2
- 40-49 yards: 2-2
- 50+ yards: 5-6
KICKOFF RETURNER
Cordarrelle Patterson | #84
Average: 0.0 | TD Returns: 0
PUNT RETURNER
Calvin Austin III | #19
Average: 10.3 | TD Returns: 0
Scouting the Dallas Cowboys
Overall record: 2-2 (2nd in NFC East)
Last game: Dallas 20 NY Giants 15
Head Coach: Mike McCarthy
- 5th Season with Dallas
- Overall regular-season record: 169-104-2 | 44-27 with Cowboys
- Playoff Record: 11-11
Team Links
Cowboys Offense
Offensive Stats
- Points per game: 24.3 (11th)
- Total Offense per game: 344.8 (13th)
- Passing yards per game: 269.5 (4th)
- Rushing yards per game: 75.3 (32nd)
QUARTERBACK
Dak Prescott | #4
Prescott is good, but not great. When the game is on the line, tends to fold to pressure.
Passing Yards: 1,072 | TD Passes: 6 | INT’s: 2 | Sacked: 10
Rushing Yards: 21 | Rushing TD’s: 1
Back-up: Cooper Rush | #10
Passing Yards: 6 | TD Passes: 0 | INT’s: 0 | Sacked: 0
Rushing Yards: 0 | Rushing TD’s: 0
RUNNING BACKS
Rico Dowdle | #23
Dowdle is the lead back, but has managed just 134 yards in four games.
Rushing Yards: 134 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 9 | Receiving Yards: 74 | TD’s: 1
Ezekiel Elliot | #15
Elliot’s career continues to wind down.
Rushing Yards: 81 | Rushing TD’s: 1
Receptions: 6 | Receiving Yards: 36 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Deuce Vaughn | #42
Rushing Yards: 20 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: 14 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Hunter Luepke | #40
Rushing Yards: 8 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 6 | Receiving Yards: 73 | Receiving TD’s: 0
WIDE RECEIVERS
CeeDee Lamb | #88
Lamb is one of the best receivers in the NFL. Always a threat to make a game breaking play at any time.
Receptions: 20 | Receiving Yards: 316 | Receiving TD’s: 2
Brandin Cooks* | #1
Cooks is out this week.
Receptions: 9 | Receiving Yards: 91 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Jalen Tolbert | #1
Tolbert hopes to elevate his game in place of the injured Cooks.
Receptions: 13 | Receiving Yards: 163 | Receiving TD’s: 1
KaVonae Turpin | #10
Receptions: 6 | Receiving Yards: 73 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Jalen Brooks | #16
Receptions: 3 | Receiving Yards: 52 | Receiving TD’s: 0
TIGHT ENDS
Jake Ferguson | #87
Ferguson is a better than average tight end, but has yet to find the endzone this season. 2nd on the team with 16 catches.
Receptions: 16 | Receiving Yards: 159 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Luke Schoonmaker | #86
Receptions: 7 | Receiving Yards: 48 | Receiving TD’s: 0
*Injured/out
Cowboys Defense
- Defensive System: 4-3
Defensive Stats
- Points per game allowed: 26 (27th)
- Total offense yards per game allowed: 355.2 (26th)
- Passing yards allowed: 209.5 (20th)
- Rushing yards allowed: 145.7 (27th)
- Sacks: 8 (21st)
- Interceptions: 4 (5th)
DEFENSIVE LINE
DE: Chauncey Golston | #99
Tackles: 12 | Sacks: 1.5
DT: Mazi Smith | #58
Tackles: 6 | Sacks: 0
DT: Osa Odighizuwa | #97
Tackles: 12 | Sacks: 0
DE: Micah Parsons* | #11
Tackles: 14 | Sacks: 1
LINEBACKERS
WLB: Demone Clark | #18
Tackles: 14 | Sacks: 0
MLB: Eric Kendricks| #50
Tackles: 42 | Sacks: 2 | INT: 1
SLB: DeMarvion Overshown | #13
Tackles: 27 | Sacks: 1 | INT: 0
SECONDARY
RCB: Caelen Carson | #6
Tackles: 15 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
SS: Donovan Wilson | #32
Tackles: 19 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
FS: Malik Hooker | #28
Tackles: 16 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
LCB: Trevon Diggs | #7
Tackles: 18 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
*Injured/out
Cowboys Special Teams
PLACEKICKER
Brandon Aubrey | #17
Extra Points: 7-7
Field Goals: 12-13
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 0-0
- 30-39 yards: 1-1
- 40-49 yards: 5-5
- 50+ yards: 6-7
KICKOFF RETURNER
Juanyeh Thomas | #30
Average: 24.0 | TD Returns: 0
PUNT RETURNER
KaVontae Turpin | #10
Average: 19.2 | TD Returns: 1
Steelers vs Cowboys History
Series History: Began in 1960
Overall Record: 16-17
- Home: 8-7
- Away: 6-9
- Postseason: 2-1
Streak: Steelers won the last game.
Last regular-season meeting: Steelers Win, 24-19 (Nov. 8, 2020)
Last postseason meeting: Super Bowl XXX Cowboys Win, 27-17 (Jan. 28, 1996)
Injury Report (10/4/24)
Pittsburgh Steelers
IR: P Cam Johnson, OL Troy Fautanu (Knee)
Out: LB Alex Highsmith (Hamstring), TE MyCole Pruitt (Knee), RB Jaylen Warren (Knee), RB/KR Cordarrelle Patterson (Ankle)
Doubtful: None
Questionable: QB Russell Wilson (calf), DT Larry Ogunjobi (Groin)
Dallas Cowboys
IR: DE DeMarcus Lawrence (foot)
Out: WR Brandin Cooks (Knee), DE Micah Parsons (ankle)
Doubtful: None
Questionable: CB Caelen Carson (Shoulder)
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From Midland, "The Basketball Capital of Pennsylvania", located 35 miles NW of Pittsburgh along the Ohio River. This former steel town was home to storied athletes such as Dave Alston, Norm Van Lier, Simmie Hill, and the legendary 1965 Midland High School Basketball Team.
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As Editor of Pittsburgh SportsNation, Mike Drakulich provides top notch opinions and coverage of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Pittsburgh Pirates, Pitt Panthers football & basketball, Robert Morris Colonials basketball, and Duquesne Dukes basketball, as well as all sports teams that represent Western Pennsylvania, including WPIAL High School Football.
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