PITTSBURGH — Amid lightning illuminating the night sky and delaying the start of the game, Dak Prescott delivered a motivating message to his Dallas Cowboys teammates ahead of their matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
“I mentioned before the game that we wouldn’t forget this one,” Prescott said, taking the opportunity to consume a protein waffle, stretch, and conduct drills during the interruption. “With all the delays and everything that unfolded, this is a game you’ll always remember. I kept saying, ‘Let’s make it one to remember.’ I believe we accomplished that through the highs and lows.”
Prescott threw a crucial 4-yard touchdown pass to Jalen Tolbert with just 20 seconds remaining, leading the Cowboys to a 20-17 victory over the Steelers. This win improved the Cowboys’ record to 3-2, keeping them competitive in the NFC East, just behind the Washington Commanders (4-1). Furthermore, it marked the Cowboys’ third road win this season, their best start away from home since Prescott’s rookie year in 2016.
Additionally, this victory marked coach Mike McCarthy’s first regular-season win against the Steelers, the team from his hometown. Although McCarthy enjoyed a Super Bowl XLV victory against the Steelers as coach of the Green Bay Packers, they were the only team he faced multiple times without a win (0-4).
“That feels great,” McCarthy expressed as he exited the stadium with his parents, Joe and Ellen, surrounded by family and friends. “This is my first time being part of a victory here. But it’s important to recognize that this game is about the players. These guys gave their all out there.”
Postgame, McCarthy received the game ball from his players, a first in his coaching career.
“That’s a guy who means a lot to me,” Prescott commented. “I love him. He’s a fantastic head coach who takes pride in being from Pittsburgh. I wanted to explore some of the places he holds dear, which was really special.”
The Cowboys did not play flawlessly. Prescott committed three turnovers, including two interceptions and a fumble, two of which occurred in the red zone, denying the Cowboys potential points. They also had a field goal blocked and were penalized 11 times for a total of 87 yards.
However, with 4:56 remaining, Prescott had the opportunity to execute the 23rd game-winning drive of his career in the fourth quarter or overtime.
“His composure is one of his greatest strengths,” McCarthy said of Prescott, who completed 29 of 42 passes for 352 yards. “He consistently maintains his focus. He doesn’t dwell on errors.”
On the game-winning drive, Prescott completed 5 of 7 passes for 46 yards, ran for 3 yards, and crucially recovered a fumble near the goal line. After the Steelers called a timeout with 26 seconds on the clock, McCarthy adjusted the personnel and formation to provide Prescott with extra protection.
Despite being covered by DeShon Elliott, Tolbert crossed into the end zone for the decisive touchdown catch with 20 seconds remaining.
“I thrive in those moments. We practice it a lot,” Prescott said. “You might be frustrated with the turnovers, but when it comes down to the last moments, having the ball and the chance to score is all I can ask for.”
The Cowboys faced this challenge without key players such as Brandin Cooks, Micah Parsons (high ankle), and DeMarcus Lawrence (foot), and they lost their top draft picks, Tyler Guyton and Marshawn Kneeland, to knee injuries in the first half.
With Guyton out, guard Tyler Smith moved to tackle. When Zack Martin had to leave due to cramping, the Cowboys relied on Brock Hoffman, Cooper Beebe, and T.J. Bass for interior line support.
On the defensive front, the team prepared linebackers to step in at defensive end and elevated cornerback Amani Oruwariye from the practice squad.
“I just think,” McCarthy summarized, “the resilience of our football team was evident tonight.”