Steelers, Cowboys Locked in Defensive Battle

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Dallas Cowboys treated fans to a mud wrestling match in Sunday’s nightcap. After the Western Pennsylvania weather delayed the kickoff by an hour and 25 minutes, spectators of two historic franchises got a first half full of old-school football. Through one half, Pittsburgh trails 6-3.

Both teams began their night with field goals – an unsurprising development given Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey and Steelers veteran Chris Boswell are two of the best in the sport. The field conditions, though, makes their performances all the more impressive.

After the two teams traded punts, rushing the passer well and keeping the cap on opposing ground games, edge rusher T.J. Watt made his mark.

On the final play of the first quarter, Watt sacked Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott and fellow edge rusher Nick Herbig recovered the fumble, wasting away a red zone drive. The sack was the 100th of Watt’s career and the first signature moment of Sunday’s affair.

The Steelers offense was not able to take advantage of the turnover.

However, it’s clear injuries are playing into how Dallas is playing. Starting left tackle Tyler Guyton walked to the locker room and rookie edge rusher Marshawn Kneeland suffered what looked like a significant knee injury in the first half. With star edge rushers Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence already missing the game, there’s a path for Pittsburgh to take advantage of the Cowboys’ ailments.

Aubrey hit his second field goal with 8:55 remaining in the second quarter.

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The Cowboys quickly got the ball back and found its longest gain of the night soon after, hitting receiver Jalen Tolbert for 48 yards.

The Steelers responded in the final minute of the half. After Prescott worked Dallas into the red zone, he was intercepted targeting star CeeDee Lamb in the end zone. With two red zone turnovers in as many quarters, Pittsburgh has kept itself afloat amidst a slow offensive start.

The Steelers chewed the clock at the end of the half, happy with their turnover.