A Primetime Showdown
The Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers will face off in Week 5 of the 2024 NFL season on Sunday Night Football, reigniting one of the most storied rivalries in NFL history. Both teams have deep legacies, multiple Super Bowl titles, and fan bases known for their passion and loyalty. This game is set to be a thrilling contest between two franchises eager to assert their dominance on the national stage. Go ahead and check the Cowboys vs. Steelers game preview and make your choice!
Dallas Cowboys’ Game Plan
The Cowboys come into this matchup with a 2-2 record, eager to get back on track after an uneven start to the season. Quarterback Dak Prescott is at the helm of an offense that has shown flashes of brilliance but has also been hindered by injuries, most notably to defensive star Micah Parsons. Prescott will need to rely heavily on his offensive line to neutralize Pittsburgh’s relentless pass rush, led by T.J. Watt, and give him time to connect with playmakers like CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks.
Dallas has struggled in some key moments this season but remains a dangerous team when firing on all cylinders. Head coach Mike McCarthy will likely emphasize a balanced approach, mixing the running game with Tony Pollard and utilizing play-action to open up passing lanes for Prescott. Defensively, the Cowboys will need to step up, particularly in containing the Steelers’ dynamic young quarterback, Kenny Pickett.
Steelers’ Defensive Powerhouse
Offensively, the Pittsburgh Steelers will look to bounce back from their first loss of the season after falling 27-24 to the Indianapolis Colts. Despite the loss, quarterback Justin Fields had a standout performance, throwing for 312 yards and accounting for three total touchdowns. Fields will need to build on this momentum against a Cowboys defense that has been weakened by injuries to key players like Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence. Running back Najee Harris could also play a significant role, exploiting Dallas’ vulnerability in stopping the run, as they currently rank 27th in rushing yards allowed.
Defensively, the Cowboys face a challenge without their defensive anchors Parsons and Lawrence. This puts pressure on their secondary to contain Fields and wide receiver George Pickens, who has been a reliable target. The Steelers, led by T.J. Watt, will be eager to pressure Dak Prescott, whose offensive line has allowed him to be sacked 10 times in four games. Watt’s ability to disrupt Prescott’s timing will be key to keeping the Cowboys’ high-powered offense in check, particularly in the absence of wide receiver Brandin Cooks.
Key Matchups and Prediction
The success of the Cowboys hinges on their ability to protect Prescott from the Steelers’ aggressive front seven. If Dallas can give Prescott time, their offense has the potential to put up points in a hurry. However, if Watt and company can collapse the pocket and create pressure, the Steelers will control the pace of the game.
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