Did ‘Recurring Issues’ Lead to Steelers 20-17?

The Pittsburgh Steelers fell in a crushing 20-17 defeat at the hands of the Dallas Cowboys in Week 5, allowing a touchdown with just 20 seconds left on the clock.

The Steelers, with no timeouts left, were unable to mount a late-game response, leaving Dallas to secure their 18th win in the all-time series.

Offensively, the Steelers struggled early , managing just three points in the first half before finding more success in the second. Pittsburgh's offense posted a total of 226 yards, with 134 through the air and 92 on the ground. Quarterback Justin Fields finished the game completing 15 of 27 passes for 131 yards and two touchdowns.

Despite the late-game push, the Steelers could not overcome their earlier mistakes, which Fields acknowledged in his post-game comments. The Steelers won the penalty battle but still had 8 penalties for 50 yards to the Cowboys' 11 penalties for 87 yards.

"Penalties make it hard," said Fields. "Especially when you are in third and manageable, third and short. We get those penalties and make it third and ten or third and long or whatever it is. Of course, that's going to make it harder."

Fields pointed to recurring issues such as false starts and other penalties as major setbacks, consistently putting Pittsburgh behind the chains.

"I think the recurring thing is just shooting ourselves in the foot. Penalties, false starts, and stuff like that. It just comes down to execution." said Fields.

Related: Freiermuth Backs Steelers Despite Loss, Lack of Production

The Cowboys, meanwhile, put up 445 total yards, dominating possession and converting 9 of 15 third downs. Their late-game drive, capped off by a touchdown pass, sealed Pittsburgh’s fate, marking the Steelers' second consecutive loss after a 3-0 start.

Now sitting at 3-2, Pittsburgh will look to regroup as they prepare for their Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, aiming to break their two-game losing streak and regain early-season momentum.