The Steelers suffered a heartbreaking loss to the Dallas Cowboys, falling in the final 20 seconds of a game filled with twists and turns—including a rain delay that disrupted the evening. Despite the Cowboys' struggles, which included three turnovers and a blocked field goal, Pittsburgh couldn't capitalize. The same issues that plagued them in last week's defeat resurfaced, with the offense failing to gain traction and the defense once again falling short when it mattered most.
Statistically, the Cowboys had the potential to dominate, but their mistakes kept the Steelers in the game. However, Pittsburgh's inability to convert those opportunities ultimately sealed their fate. Amid the frustration, one bright spot emerged: a standout player who made a series of game-changing plays and was clearly the best on the field Sunday night.
Player of the game: T.J. Watt
The league’s top defensive player returned to his dominant form, wreaking havoc on the field after a rare sackless performance the previous week. Facing the Cowboys, he surpassed the milestone of 100 career sacks, finishing the game with 1.5 sacks. Like many teams before them, the Cowboys struggled to keep him contained throughout the game.
However, the Steelers' pass rush lost some steam in the fourth quarter after Herbig went down with a hamstring injury. Looking ahead, the Steelers’ defense faces a challenging task against the Raiders, especially with both Herbig and Highsmith sidelined.
While T.J. Watt has proven he can be a game-changer, the rest of the defense will need to rise to the occasion after back-to-back disappointing performances.
Other thoughts:
After two consecutive losses, the Steelers head back on the road to face the Raiders in Las Vegas. This matchup is a crucial opportunity for Pittsburgh to regroup and find their rhythm against a struggling Raiders team.
With several issues to address on both sides of the ball, the Steelers need a strong performance to build momentum. If they hope to contend for the AFC North title and secure a playoff spot, they must find their form and start a winning streak leading into their bye week.