3. Dak Prescott
Dallas Cowboys
This one right here. This one right here is the one Yinzers will be ready for that’s not a divisional opponent. A memorable regular-season game in 2016, although the ending was heartbreaking in the last moments for Steeler fans, it seemed to repeat the historic football trend of Pittsburgh versus Dallas. Three of the previous four games to be decided by 5 points or less, the Steelers will have their hands full against an offense that should be operated by QB Dak Prescott.
Although he hasn’t officially signed his franchise-tag as he awaits to come in agreement for a long-term contract (hence the Andy Dalton remarks), Prescott will still likely be the guy to prepare for once the season begins. One of the better supporting casts the Steelers will face in 2020, Prescott has a load of offensive talent around him that will now be guided by Cowboys new head coach, Mike McCarthy.
Adding rookie WR CeeDee Lamb to a group that already has Amari Cooper, Michael Gallup, & Ezekiel Elliott, plus an OL that ranked top-two in both pass & run-blocking in 2019, according to footballoutsiders.com adjusted-yards metric, it’s a squad with a lot of firepower.
However, Prescott himself is still a talented individual that will need to be accounted for in the air & on the ground. Having his best year-to-date as a passer in 2019, he took a slight dip as a runner running for only three touchdowns as opposed to his six in his first three seasons totaling to 21 in his career (most for QBs since 2016).
Career-highs with 4,902 passing yards & 30 passing touchdowns in 2019, it was also significantly his most attempts as a passer with 596 that could be surpassed in 2020. Efficient as well with a 65% completion percentage and a 99.7 QB rate, he’s growing his mark as a passer in this league. Healthy as they come for the position as well, Prescott has never missed a game in his four years as the starter.
Fresh off the bye, this will be a true test for the great defense of Pittsburgh on November 8th. Equipped to go toe-to-toe with Dallas & Prescott, payback for 2016 would be bittersweet and should be a great placement of momentum going forward in the season if the Steelers were to be victorious.