The Dallas Cowboys vs Steelers Match Player Stats are two of the NFL’s most iconic franchises, with a rivalry that spans decades and includes some of the most memorable games in football history. Their matchups are always a spectacle, combining raw athleticism, strategic brilliance, and passionate fanbases. On October 6, 2024, these two teams clashed at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, delivering a thrilling 20-17 Cowboys victory. This SEO-friendly article breaks down the player stats from that game, offering an in-depth look at the performances that shaped this classic encounter. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to the NFL, this guide is written in a clear, engaging, and easy-to-read style for all ages. Let’s dive into the stats, key moments, and what made this game unforgettable!
A Historic Rivalry: Dallas Cowboys vs Steelers Match Player Stats
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the player stats, let’s set the stage. The Dallas Cowboys vs Steelers Match Player Stats have faced off 34 times since 1960, with Dallas holding a slight edge at 18-16. This rivalry is steeped in history, with three Super Bowl matchups (X, XIII, and XXX) that have cemented its status as one of the NFL’s fiercest. The 2024 game was no exception, marked by a dramatic finish, a weather delay, and standout performances from both teams. Now, let’s break down the stats that tell the story of this epic showdown.
Game Overview: Cowboys 20, Steelers 17
The October 6, 2024, matchup at Acrisure Stadium was a nail-biter, ending with a last-minute touchdown pass from Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott to wide receiver Jalen Tolbert. Despite a hailstorm delaying the game’s start to 9:45 PM EST, both teams brought their A-game, with Dallas overcoming injuries and turnovers to secure the 20-17 win. The Cowboys outgained the Steelers 445 to 226 total yards, but Pittsburgh’s defense kept them in the game until the final seconds. Let’s look at the key player stats that defined this contest.
Team Dallas Cowboys vs Steelers Match Player Stats at a Glance
|
Stat |
Dallas Cowboys |
Pittsburgh Steelers |
|---|---|---|
|
Total Yards |
445 | 226 |
|
Passing Yards |
336 | 134 |
|
Rushing Yards |
109 | 92 |
|
First Downs |
25 | 17 |
|
Turnovers |
3 | 1 |
|
Time of Possession |
32:29 | 27:31 |
|
Third-Down Conversions |
9/15 (60%) | 3/12 (25%) |
|
Penalties |
11 (87 yards) |
8 (50 yards) |
Source: ESPN, October 6, 2024
Cowboys’ Key Performers: Offensive Firepower
The Cowboys’ offense, led by Dak Prescott, was the driving force behind their victory. Despite three turnovers, Dallas showed resilience, with several players stepping up in critical moments. Here’s a breakdown of the standout performers.
Dak Prescott (QB): A Tale of Resilience
Dak Prescott’s performance was a rollercoaster, but he delivered when it mattered most. He completed 29 of 42 passes for 352 yards, throwing two touchdowns and two interceptions, and fumbled once. His game-winning 4-yard touchdown pass to Jalen Tolbert with 20 seconds left showcased his composure under pressure. Despite facing a relentless Steelers defense, including a strip-sack by T.J. Watt and Nick Herbig, Prescott led a 15-play, 70-yard drive in the final 4:56 to secure the win. His ability to recover a fumble by Rico Dowdle at the 4-yard line was a heads-up play that kept the Cowboys’ hopes alive.
Prescott’s Stats:
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Completions/Attempts: 29/42 (69%)
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Passing Yards: 352
-
Touchdowns: 2
-
Interceptions: 2
-
Fumbles: 1 (lost)
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Key Moment: Game-winning TD pass to Tolbert
Jalen Tolbert (WR): The Clutch Performer
With star receiver Brandin Cooks sidelined by a knee injury, Jalen Tolbert stepped into the spotlight. He caught 7 passes for 87 yards, including the game-winning 4-yard touchdown. His 48-yard reception in the second quarter helped set up a field goal, and his ability to get open against Pittsburgh’s secondary was crucial. Tolbert’s emergence added a new dimension to the Cowboys’ passing attack, especially in the absence of key players.
Tolbert’s Stats:
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Receptions: 7
-
Yards: 87
-
Touchdowns: 1
-
Longest Catch: 48 yards
Rico Dowdle (RB): A Dual-Threat Weapon
Running back Rico Dowdle was a workhorse, carrying the ball 20 times for 87 yards and catching a 22-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter to give Dallas a 13-10 lead. His 16-play, 90-yard drive in the final quarter was a testament to his versatility, as he ran for 36 yards and added the crucial score. However, a fumble at the goal line nearly cost Dallas the game, but Prescott’s recovery saved the day.
Dowdle’s Stats:
-
Rushing: 20 carries, 87 yards (4.4 avg)
-
Receiving: 2 receptions, 27 yards, 1 TD
-
Key Moment: 22-yard TD catch
Jake Ferguson (TE): Reliable Target
Tight end Jake Ferguson was a steady presence, catching 6 passes for 70 yards, including a 27-yard reception that showcased his ability to gain yards after the catch. His downfield blocking, particularly on Tolbert’s 48-yard catch, was instrumental in creating big plays. Ferguson’s performance underlined his value as a reliable target for Prescott, especially in the red zone.
Ferguson’s Stats:
-
Receptions: 6
-
Yards: 70
-
Longest Catch: 27 yards
CeeDee Lamb (WR): Contained but Impactful
CeeDee Lamb, Dallas’ star receiver, was held to 5 receptions for 62 yards by Pittsburgh’s Joey Porter Jr., who shadowed him effectively. Despite not reaching the end zone, Lamb’s presence drew defensive attention, opening opportunities for Tolbert and Ferguson. His blocking on Ferguson’s 27-yard catch was a subtle but critical contribution.
Lamb’s Stats:
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Receptions: 5
-
Yards: 62
-
Longest Catch: 20 yards
Steelers’ Key Performers: Defensive Grit
The Steelers’ offense struggled, managing only 226 total yards, but their defense kept them in the game. Pittsburgh’s players showed heart, with several standouts nearly turning the tide.
Justin Fields (QB): Efficient but Limited
Justin Fields, starting in place of the questionable Russell Wilson, completed 15 of 27 passes for 131 yards and two touchdowns, while adding 27 yards on 6 rushes. His 16-yard touchdown pass to Connor Heyward in the third quarter gave Pittsburgh a 10-6 lead, and a 6-yard TD pass to Pat Freiermuth in the fourth put them ahead 17-13. However, the Steelers’ offense couldn’t sustain drives, converting only 3 of 12 third downs.
Fields’ Stats:
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Completions/Attempts: 15/27 (55.6%)
-
Passing Yards: 131
-
Touchdowns: 2
-
Rushing: 6 carries, 27 yards
-
Key Moment: 16-yard TD pass to Heyward
Najee Harris (RB): Ground Game Leader
With Jaylen Warren and Cordarrelle Patterson out, Najee Harris carried the load, rushing 14 times for 42 yards. While his numbers weren’t spectacular, his physical running style helped control the clock and keep the Cowboys’ defense honest. Harris’ ability to grind out yards was crucial in a game where Pittsburgh struggled to move the ball.
Harris’ Stats:
-
Rushing: 14 carries, 42 yards (3.0 avg)
-
Receiving: 2 receptions, 7 yards
Pat Freiermuth (TE): Red Zone Threat
Tight end Pat Freiermuth was a key target for Fields, catching 3 passes for 22 yards, including a 6-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. His 19-yard reception earlier in the game set up a scoring drive, making him a reliable option in critical situations.
Freiermuth’s Stats:
-
Receptions: 3
-
Yards: 22
-
Touchdowns: 1
Connor Heyward (TE): Surprise Contributor
Connor Heyward made the most of his opportunities, catching 2 passes for 23 yards, including a 16-yard touchdown that gave Pittsburgh the lead in the third quarter. His score was a highlight in an otherwise quiet offensive performance for the Steelers.
Heyward’s Stats:
-
Receptions: 2
-
Yards: 23
-
Touchdowns: 1
T.J. Watt (LB): Defensive Anchor
T.J. Watt was a force on defense, recording 1.5 sacks, including a strip-sack on Prescott in the first quarter that boosted his career total to 100 sacks, making him the second-fastest player to reach that milestone in NFL history (109 games). Watt’s pressure disrupted Dallas’ rhythm, and his presence was felt throughout the game.
Watt’s Stats:
-
Tackles: 8
-
Sacks: 1.5
-
Key Moment: Strip-sack on Prescott
Elandon Roberts (LB): Tackling Machine
Linebacker Elandon Roberts led the Steelers with 14 tackles, anchoring a defense that held Dallas to just one rushing touchdown despite being on the field for 32:29. His relentless pursuit kept the Cowboys’ ground game in check.
Roberts’ Stats:
-
Tackles: 14
-
Key Moment: Consistent run-stopping presence
Donte Jackson (CB): Interception Specialist
Cornerback Donte Jackson made a game-changing play with an interception in the end zone in the second quarter, preventing a Cowboys touchdown and keeping Pittsburgh within striking distance. His coverage on CeeDee Lamb was also critical in limiting Dallas’ top receiver.
Jackson’s Stats:
-
Tackles: 5
-
Interceptions: 1
Key Moments That Shaped the Game
The game was defined by a series of pivotal plays:
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Weather Delay: A hailstorm pushed the kickoff to 9:45 PM EST, making it one of the latest starts in Steelers history.
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Prescott’s Turnovers: Two interceptions and a fumble, including a strip-sack by Watt and Herbig, kept Pittsburgh in the game despite Dallas’ yardage advantage.
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Blocked Field Goal: A blocked 38-yard field goal attempt by Brandon Aubrey in the third quarter halted a Cowboys scoring opportunity.
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Dowdle’s Fumble and Recovery: Rico Dowdle’s fumble at the goal line in the final minute was recovered by Prescott, setting up the game-winning touchdown.
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Tolbert’s Heroics: Jalen Tolbert’s 4-yard touchdown catch with 20 seconds left sealed the Cowboys’ victory.
Injury Impact: A Game of Attrition
Both teams faced significant injuries. The Cowboys were without Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence, and lost rookie Marshawn Kneeland to a knee injury early in the game. Their offensive line was reshuffled after Tyler Guyton and Zack Martin went down, forcing Tyler Smith to play tackle. The Steelers missed Jaylen Warren, Cordarrelle Patterson, and Alex Highsmith, while Nick Herbig and DeMarvin Leal also left the game with injuries. These absences forced both teams to rely on depth, making standout performances even more impressive.
Why This Game Matters
The Cowboys’ victory moved them to 3-2, keeping them in the hunt in the NFC East, while the Steelers fell to 3-2, snapping their 3-0 start. The game showcased the resilience of both teams, with Dallas overcoming turnovers and injuries, and Pittsburgh fighting until the final whistle despite offensive struggles. The matchup also highlighted the enduring appeal of this rivalry, with its mix of historical significance and modern-day drama.
Comparing Historical Dallas Cowboys vs Steelers Match Player Stats
Historically, the Cowboys average 21.9 points per game against the Steelers, slightly outpacing Pittsburgh’s 21.2. The 2024 game stayed true to this trend, with a close scoreline and standout individual efforts. The Super Bowl matchups (1976, 1979, and 1996) remain the gold standard, with Pittsburgh winning the first two and Dallas taking the third. The 2024 game added another chapter to this storied rivalry, proving that Cowboys vs. Steelers is always must-watch football.
Fan Takeaways: Why You Should Care
For fans, this game was a reminder of why the Cowboys-Steelers rivalry is special. Whether you’re cheering for “America’s Team” or the “Steel Curtain,” the stats tell a story of grit, talent, and clutch plays. Dak Prescott’s leadership, Jalen Tolbert’s breakout, and T.J. Watt’s dominance are moments that will linger in fans’ minds. Plus, the game’s late-night drama and weather delay made it one for the history books.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Dallas Cowboys vs Steelers Match Player Stats Both Teams?
The Cowboys face the Detroit Lions next, aiming to build on their road success (3-0 away in 2024). The Steelers take on the Las Vegas Raiders, hoping to rebound with a stronger offensive showing. Both teams will need to address injuries and refine their strategies to stay in playoff contention.
Conclusion: A Dallas Cowboys vs Steelers Match Player Stats Rivalry for the Ages
The Dallas Cowboys vs Steelers Match Player Stats on October 6, 2024, was a classic display of NFL football, with player stats painting a picture of resilience, talent, and drama. From Dak Prescott’s game-winning heroics to T.J. Watt’s sack milestone, the game had it all. Whether you’re a young fan just learning the game or a seasoned viewer who remembers the Super Bowl clashes, this game delivered. Stay tuned for more Cowboys-Steelers battles, as this rivalry continues to captivate football fans worldwide!