Steelers expert reveals where Cowboys can attack upcoming rival the most in Week 5 showdown
The Dallas Cowboys will face the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday night in a showdown that feels much more important than originally anticipated as it feels like a must-win showdown before the team moves on to arguably two of the top three NFC contenders of the year: The Detroit Lions and San Francisco 49ers. The Steelers are […]
The Dallas Cowboys will face the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday night in a showdown that feels much more important than originally anticipated as it feels like a must-win showdown before the team moves on to arguably two of the top three NFC contenders of the year: The Detroit Lions and San Francisco 49ers.
The Steelers are far from an easy opponent as they sit at 3-1. However, they're banged up at offensive line, which is particularly important given the Cowboys' injuries at defensive end.
To learn more about the opponent the Cowboys haven't played in four years, I reached out to A to Z Sports' Steelers beat writer Rob Gregson for his input on Pittsburgh. He revealed where the Cowboys can exploit the Steelers and more. Enjoy.
1. The Cowboys have a banged up defensive line with Micah Parsons likely out for Week 5 and DeMarcus Lawrence headed to IR. But the Steelers offensive line seems to be very banged up. Has that been an issue for the Pittsburgh offense and what is the weakest link the Cowboys might exploit?
Gregson: The Pittsburgh Steelers entire line from center right has incurred season ending injuries to starting players. With the latest being RG James Daniels, it’s clear that Mike Zimmer will scheme whoever is healthy to attack the right guard and right tackle spot, manned by a rookie and Broderick Jones respectively.
2. The Steelers defense has posed some great numbers so far but they've also faced some questionable offenses and we saw Joe Flacco be successful on Sunday. Is the defense as great as advertised and where could the Cowboys find weaknesses?
Gregson: What Sunday’s game proved about the Steelers defense is that they are only as good as their turnover margin. If offenses play mistake free, fundamentally sound football, the defense is susceptible to quick attacks over the middle and even some power running.
3. Justin Fields has looked surprisingly good as a passer this year and the Steelers rank 10th in dropback EPA/play vs 29th in rush EPA/play. Popular knowledge says the Steelers want to run the ball and play hard-nosed football, is that really the case this year?
Gregson: That’s undoubtedly how the Steelers want to play, the problem is, aforementioned injuries and slow starts have plagued the rushing offense. Injuries to RB Jaylen Warren and Cordarrelle Patterson also hasn’t helped with Najee Harris still finding his bearings in a foreign run scheme.
4. The Steelers are 3-1 and will have a fired up crowd at Acrisure Stadium in Week 5. What is their best path to beating the Cowboys?
Gregson: If the Steelers are going to beat the Cowboys on Sunday, they have to make Dak Prescott uncomfortable. After a quiet outing against the Colts, I expect T.J. Watt to make his presence felt early, even with the obvious attention from Dallas. So heating up Prescott and combating their offensive line woes against a banged up Cowboys pass rush is the recipe for a W.
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Tough rest of season ahead.
