Week 5 is here and the Steelers are gearing up to host the Cowboys on Sunday Night Football! Pittsburgh will aim to redeem themselves after failing to secure a 'W' over the Colts last weekend. Meanwhile, the Cowboys edged out a victory against the Giants.
Even with a plethora of injuries to both teams, this promises to be a thrilling showdown. Pittsburgh can't take Dallas lightly on SNF. Here are five matchups the Steelers must focus on in Week 5.
Dak Prescott vs. Steelers Defense
The Steelers' defense faces the daunting task of containing the consistent and confident nature of QB Dak Prescott. Surprisingly, the steel defense has only faced Prescott once, back in 2016. Prescott is a top-tier QB known for his deep ball threat, confident demeanor, and clear-cut leadership on the Cowboys team.
The defense must disrupt the connections between CeeDee Lamb, Jake Ferguson, and the Cowboys QB. Prescott has only thrown 2 interceptions this season, but he has not yet faced a strong team eager to make a comeback at home.
Food for thought: In the last 4 games, Prescott has faced 10 sacks from opposing teams, and he has also experienced 3 fumbles in 4 games this season according to NFL Network. It's an opportunity for the Steelers defense to capitalize on these statistics and strategize effectively.
Najee Harris breakout game incoming?
The running game has been facing challenges in gaining momentum this season, which has led to frustration. With Jaylen Warren and Cordarrelle Patterson both questionable heading into Sunday Night Football, this presents a great opportunity for Harris to showcase his potential and have his first penultimate breakout game of the season.
The Cowboys' defense has been unable to contain RBs like Saints Alvin Kamara and Ravens Derrick Henry this season. Despite the Steelers’ O-line facing challenges with disorganization and injuries, if they can overcome these issues and open up running lanes for the RB, we could witness a dominant performance from Harris on Sunday night.
The obvious and under-the-radar passing targets vs the Steelers secondary
Dak Prescott looks to CeeDee Lamb as his top target, but Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin should be worried about the other weapons in Prescott’s arsenal.
WR Brandin Cooks is ruled out this weekend, therefore the Cowboys will look to Jalen Tolbert to aid in the passing game. The defense may not be able to completely stop CeeDee’s explosiveness, but they’ll need to contain it, which could lead to Tolbert being targeted more and potentially disrupting the secondary.
Physical TE Jake Ferguson is becoming a threat in the middle of the field and in the endzone. Although the TE hasn’t scored a touchdown this season, the Steelers’ defense needs to be prepared for that possibility.
Based on recent game trends, it is highly likely that Joey Porter Jr. will once again be assigned to cover the elusive and crafty CeeDee Lamb. JPJ had a tough game against Michael Pittman Jr. last weekend, so it’s important for the second-year cornerback to bounce back with a strong performance.
George Pickens vs. Trevon Diggs
In Week 5, Pickens is expected to find the endzone and secure his first touchdown of the season. As the top target for QB Justin Fields, he has shown maturity and skill this season. It’s likely that Diggs will cover him, making it a competitive and potentially penalty-filled matchup.
Pickens has been successful at drawing flags for pass interference when Justin Fields throws a deep ball down the sideline. However, Diggs is aware of this tactic, so Pickens will need to improve his sideline awareness and catching abilities to win the matchup.
Mike Tomlin vs. Mike McCarthy
It is the battle of the Mikes on the sidelines in this Sunday night football matchup. Both head coaches are familiar with each other and are known for their tactical play-calling throughout the years.
How each coach utilizes their QB’s play-making abilities will be under the microscope this weekend. Both QBs excel at evading pressure in the pocket and finding the end zone, and both top WRs have demonstrated their ability to dominate in the passing game.
If each team finds themselves in a go-for-it or kick a field goal situation in a somewhat competitive portion of the game, that aggressiveness will set the tone. Which team will ultimately secure the W this weekend, we shall see Steelers Nation.