Dallas Cowboys vs Steelers Match Player Stats

The Dallas Cowboys vs Steelers Match Player Stats have one of the NFL’s most storied rivalries, with their matchups often delivering unforgettable moments. Their October 6, 2024, clash at Acrisure Stadium was no exception, ending with a thrilling 20-17 Cowboys victory. This SEO-friendly article breaks down the player stats from this game, offering an easy-to-read analysis for fans of all ages. Whether you’re a die-hard Cowboys fan, a Steelers supporter, or just love football, this guide will help you understand the key performances that shaped this exciting game. Let’s dive into the stats and see who stood out!

Game Overview: A Primetime Thriller

The Dallas Cowboys vs Steelers Match Player Stats on October 6, 2024, was a primetime spectacle broadcast on NBC/Peacock. With a final score of 20-17, Dallas improved to 3-2, while Pittsburgh fell to 3-2. The game was a battle of grit, with Dallas overcoming a tough Steelers defense and both teams fighting through a rain-soaked, delay-extended night. The Cowboys racked up 445 total yards compared to Pittsburgh’s 226, but the game came down to a clutch play by Dak Prescott, who threw a game-winning touchdown to Jalen Tolbert with just 20 seconds left.

This article will cover the standout players, their stats, and how they influenced the game. We’ll also include tables for quick reference, making it easy for anyone to follow along.

Key Player Stats: Dallas Cowboys

Dak Prescott (Quarterback)

Dak Prescott, the NFL’s highest-paid player, proved his worth in this game. Despite facing constant pressure from Pittsburgh’s defense, led by T.J. Watt, Prescott stayed composed. His game-winning pass to Jalen Tolbert in the final seconds sealed the victory. Here’s how he performed:

• Completions/Attempts: 29/42 (69% completion rate)

• Passing Yards: 352

• Touchdowns: 2

• Interceptions: 2

• QB Rating: 91.3

Prescott’s ability to extend plays, like his scrambling throw to Tolbert, was pivotal. While his two interceptions were costly, his 352 passing yards showed his command of the offense. He targeted multiple receivers, spreading the ball effectively despite missing key defenders like Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence.

Rico Dowdle (Running Back)

With Dallas’s rushing game struggling in 2024, Rico Dowdle stepped up as the lead back. The Cowboys managed only 76 rushing yards, but Dowdle’s efficiency stood out:

• Carries: 20

• Rushing Yards: 87

• Yards per Carry: 4.4

• Touchdowns: 0

• Receptions: 2 for 27 yards

Dowdle’s hard-nosed running kept the Steelers’ defense honest, especially in the second half. His 27 receiving yards, including a key 22-yard catch, added versatility to Dallas’s offense. While the Cowboys’ ground game lagged behind Pittsburgh’s, Dowdle’s effort was a bright spot.

CeeDee Lamb (Wide Receiver)

CeeDee Lamb, Dallas’s star wideout, was Prescott’s go-to target. Despite tight coverage, he delivered:

• Receptions: 7

• Receiving Yards: 97

• Touchdowns: 0

• Longest Catch: 31 yards

Lamb’s ability to get open on crucial third downs helped Dallas maintain possession for 32:29, compared to Pittsburgh’s 27:31. His 97 yards led the team, showing why he’s one of the NFL’s elite receivers.

Jalen Tolbert (Wide Receiver)

Tolbert’s game-winning touchdown grab was the highlight of the night. Stepping up as a secondary option, he showed his potential:

• Receptions: 4

• Receiving Yards: 65

• Touchdowns: 1

• Longest Catch: 22 yards

Tolbert’s clutch performance in the final moments proved he’s a rising star in Dallas’s receiving corps.

Cowboys Defense

Without Micah Parsons and DeMarvone Overshown, the Cowboys’ defense still held Pittsburgh to 226 total yards. Key performers included:

• Eric Kendricks (Linebacker): 8 tackles, 1 sack

• Donovan Wilson (Safety): 6 tackles, 1 interception

• Team Sacks: 2 (Pittsburgh’s Justin Fields was sacked twice)

The defense struggled against the run, allowing 104 yards, but tightened up in the passing game, limiting Fields to 131 yards. Wilson’s interception was a turning point, halting a Steelers drive in the third quarter.

Cowboys Team Stats Snapshot

Category	Stat
Total Yards	445
Passing Yards	352
Rushing Yards	76
First Downs	25
Turnovers	3
Time of Possession	32:29

Key Player Stats: Pittsburgh Steelers

Justin Fields (Quarterback)

Justin Fields, starting for the injured Russell Wilson, showed flashes of brilliance but couldn’t outduel Prescott. His dual-threat ability kept the Cowboys’ defense on edge:

• Completions/Attempts: 15/27 (55.6% completion rate)

• Passing Yards: 131

• Touchdowns: 2

• Interceptions: 0

• Rushing Yards: 42 (6 carries)

Fields’s two touchdown passes, including a 16-yard strike to George Pickens, kept Pittsburgh in the game. His 42 rushing yards added a dynamic element, but Dallas’s defense limited his deep throws, forcing shorter passes.

Najee Harris (Running Back)

Najee Harris led Pittsburgh’s ground attack, which outperformed Dallas’s with 104 yards:

• Carries: 14

• Rushing Yards: 61

• Yards per Carry: 4.4

• Touchdowns: 0

Harris’s physical running style challenged Dallas’s depleted front seven. While he didn’t score, his consistent gains set up play-action opportunities for Fields.

George Pickens (Wide Receiver)

Pickens was Pittsburgh’s top receiver, making big plays despite limited targets:

• Receptions: 3

• Receiving Yards: 53

• Touchdowns: 1

• Longest Catch: 22 yards

Pickens’s touchdown catch in the third quarter gave Pittsburgh a temporary lead. However, Dallas’s secondary, led by Donovan Wilson, kept him in check for most of the game.

Steelers Defense

Pittsburgh’s defense, anchored by T.J. Watt, pressured Prescott all night. Key contributors included:

• T.J. Watt (Linebacker): 6 tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble

• Cameron Heyward (Defensive Tackle): 4 tackles, 1 sack

• Team Sacks: 3 (Prescott was sacked three times)

The Steelers forced three turnovers, including two interceptions, but couldn’t stop Dallas’s late-game heroics. Their run defense was stellar, holding Dallas to 3.7 yards per carry.

Steelers Team Stats Snapshot

Category	Stat
Total Yards	226
Passing Yards	131
Rushing Yards	104
First Downs	17
Turnovers	1
Time of Possession	27:31

Head-to-Head Comparison Dallas Cowboys vs Steelers Match Player Stats

The Cowboys dominated in total yards (445 vs. 226) and first downs (25 vs. 17), but Pittsburgh’s defense kept the game close by forcing three turnovers. Dallas’s passing game, led by Prescott and Lamb, overwhelmed the Steelers’ secondary, while Pittsburgh relied on a balanced attack with Fields’s mobility and Harris’s rushing.

Key Moments

• Fourth Quarter, 0:20 Left: Prescott’s 4-yard touchdown pass to Tolbert capped a 70-yard drive, giving Dallas the 20-17 lead.

• Third Quarter, Wilson’s Interception: Donovan Wilson’s pick of Fields stopped a promising Steelers drive, shifting momentum.

• Second Quarter, Pickens’s TD: Fields’s 16-yard touchdown to Pickens gave Pittsburgh a 10-7 lead at halftime.

Why the Cowboys Won

Dallas’s victory came down to three factors:

1. Prescott’s Clutch Play: Despite two interceptions, his 352 passing yards and game-winning throw showed his resilience.

2. Time of Possession: Dallas held the ball for 32:29, wearing down Pittsburgh’s defense.

3. Big Plays in the Passing Game: Lamb and Tolbert’s contributions stretched the field, exploiting Pittsburgh’s secondary.

Pittsburgh’s conservative play-calling and inability to sustain drives (only 17 first downs) limited their comeback chances.

Historical Context: A Dallas Cowboys vs Steelers Match Player Stats Rivalry for the Ages

The Dallas Cowboys vs Steelers Match Player Stats rivalry dates back to 1960, with Dallas leading the all-time series 17-16. Their most iconic matchups came in Super Bowls X (1976), XIII (1979), and XXX (1996), with Pittsburgh winning the first two and Dallas taking the third. The 2024 game added another chapter to this historic rivalry, marked by intense competition and dramatic finishes.

Dallas Cowboys vs Steelers Match Player Stats Table: Top Performers

Player	Team	Key Stats
Dak Prescott	Cowboys	29/42, 352 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
Rico Dowdle	Cowboys	20 carries, 87 yards, 2 receptions, 27 yards
CeeDee Lamb	Cowboys	7 receptions, 97 yards
Jalen Tolbert	Cowboys	4 receptions, 65 yards, 1 TD
Justin Fields	Steelers	15/27, 131 yards, 2 TD, 42 rush yards
Najee Harris	Steelers	14 carries, 61 yards
George Pickens	Steelers	3 receptions, 53 yards, 1 TD
T.J. Watt	Steelers	6 tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble

What This Means for Dallas Cowboys vs Steelers Match Player Stats Both Teams

For the Cowboys, the win was a statement. Despite a shaky 2-2 start and injuries to key defenders, they showed they could win on the road against a tough opponent. Prescott’s leadership and the emergence of Tolbert as a reliable target bode well for their playoff hopes.

For the Steelers, the loss highlighted offensive struggles. Fields showed potential, but Pittsburgh’s 226 total yards and 4.9 yards per play exposed their limitations. With Russell Wilson nearing a return, the Steelers will look to bounce back in future games.

Conclusion

The October 6, 2024, Dallas Cowboys vs Steelers Match Player Stats was a classic, with Dak Prescott’s late heroics stealing the show. From CeeDee Lamb’s reliable hands to Justin Fields’s dual-threat play, the game showcased incredible talent on both sides. Dallas’s 445 yards and 32:29 time of possession overwhelmed Pittsburgh’s defense, while the Steelers’ turnovers kept them in the fight until the final seconds.