By: Jared Villani @JVillain10
SteelerNation.com
Despite the Pittsburgh Steelers getting off to a red-hot start to the season, their matchup with the struggling Dallas Cowboys didn't exactly start out the way Pittsburgh had hoped. The Cowboys entered the game with their fourth string quarterback, Garrett Gilbert hoping to get Dallas back on track as they went for their third win on the season.
The Steelers defense looked out of sorts in this road matchup as Greg Zuerlein put the first points on the board with a 39-yard field goal to put the Cowboys up by three nearly immediately. However, the Cowboys continued to find early success with Gilbert leading the offense as he found wide-open Ceedee Lamb for a 20-yard touchdown to give the Cowboys a 10 to nothing lead over the Steelers for the first two scores of the game.
The Cowboys had done every right in the first half and were able to hold off the Steelers offense and continue to add points to their lead with another successful field goal from Zuerlein. Dallas' lead now standing at 13 points as the Steelers offense continued to struggle to this point.
With the first half coming to a close, Steelers quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger got himself settled and began to find his array of talented receivers finding five different pass-catchers on this drive alone. Roethlisberger ultimately finished off this impressive drive with a perfect pass completed to James Washington for a 17-yard touchdown. Unfortunately a rare miss by Chris Boswell for the extra point held the Steelers to a seven-point deficit, down 13 to 6.
Big Ben gets 'em with the pump fake. @Steelers are on the board.
????: #PITvsDAL on CBS
????: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: https://t.co/LhAplcRHXB pic.twitter.com/af9DkxUTD9— NFL (@NFL) November 8, 2020
Everyone's heart stopped as Roethlisberger injured his left knee on this drive and headed to the locker room under his own power. Minkah Fitzpatrick and Cam Sutton gave the Steelers the defensive boost they needed with the forced fumble on CeeDee Lamb courtesy of Sutton and the recovery by Fitzpatrick. The fumble recovery gave Pittsburgh one more chance to put some last minute points on the board as Boswell hit a career-long and franchise record 59-yard field goal, making the score 13 to 9 as the first half concluded.
Although the Steelers appeared to be on the right track offensively, the third quarter was summarized by two fields goals by Dallas as Zuerlein successfully converted from 45 and 33 yards giving the Cowboys a more comfortable 19 to 9 lead over Pittsburgh.
Sometimes it's inevitable once Roethlisberger comes out on the field with determination and purpose, he's bound to make magic happen with the offense. JuJu Smith-Schuster proved why he's still the Steelers number one receiver as Roethlisberger looked for him exclusively to get Pittsburgh back in the game. Smith-Schuster's toughness and perseverance were on full display as he took a 31-yard reception to the house and despite the failed two-point conversion, the Steelers inch closer now only down 19 to 15.
Would not be denied!@TeamJuJu | ???? CBS ????https://t.co/tI5aUTu7te pic.twitter.com/4XcIrkEVhx
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) November 8, 2020
As the game drew nearer to a close the Steelers sense of urgency was evident, but their ability to stay poised was what made the difference for them as time was winding down. Boswell brushed off his missed extra point from the first half and converted another key field goal with a successful 43-yard attempt to bring the Steelers within one point, 19 to 18.
Some may count him out, but Roethlisberger continues to prove Father Time isn't always undefeated. Roethlisberger put the offense on his back and marched down field much like we've seen over the years. One of Big Ben's new favorite weapons, Eric Ebron, was able to pull off an impressive play and showcase his athleticism as he hurdled a defender to give the Steelers their first lead of the game. Luckily Pittsburgh's defense was able to avoid giving up any more big plays as the game ended with the Steelers winning 24 to 19 over Dallas.
Jumps right over him into the end zone!!@Ebron85 | ???? CBS ????https://t.co/tI5aUTu7te pic.twitter.com/kzGlvw31zd
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) November 9, 2020
Pittsburgh Stat Leaders
Ben Roethlisberger 306 Passing Yards 3 Touchdown Passes
James Conner 9 Carries 22 Yards
JuJu Smith-Schuster 6 Receptions 93 Yards 1 Touchdown
Vince Williams 8 Tackles
