DALLAS — The Cowboys prime time matchup against the Steelers Sunday figures to be an uphill battle.
The roster is injury-riddled at the moment, and the Steelers bring a top-five NFL defense to the party. Quarterback Dak Prescott will have to shine for the Cowboys to pull off the upset as a field goal underdog.
Here are my "5 Things to Watch" in the Cowboys vs. Steelers Sunday Night Football showdown:
What time do the Dallas Cowboys play?
- Time: Sunday, Oct. 6 at 7:20 p.m. (CST) / 8:20 p.m. EST
- Where: Acrisure Stadium
- Opponent: Pittsburgh Steelers
5 Things to watch for Dallas Cowboys vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
1. Injury issues hit hard
Cowboys fans – I get it and don't blame you for shaking your head when you look at your team's injury report.
Two of the Cowboys top defenders, Micah Parsons (ankle) and DeMarcus Lawrence (foot) were in protective boots and riding on scooters in the locker room this week. Both will miss this week, and in Lawrence's case it will be at least a month, perhaps two.
Receiver Brandin Cooks (knee) is out one to three weeks after undergoing arthroscopic surgery to treat an injection in his right knee that stemmed from injections he received before and after the Cowboys Thursday night game against the Giants.
The Cowboys finally got their run defense together against a weak Giants ground attack, but the defensive issues are as big as ever because of the injury concerns. Rookie Marshawn Kneeland and 2021 third-round pick Chauncey Gholston will step into starting roles. And while there was plenty of optimism coming from the locker room, the truth is defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer will have to put on a masterclass in terms of scheming and play-calling to put pressure on Steelers quarterback Justin Fields. His ability to run will add more stress to a defense that is already under plenty.
2. Mazi Smith can't just 'flash'
The Cowboys dominated the line of scrimmage against the Giants offense and nose tackle Mazi Smith deserves a ton of credit for it.
That was the quiz, though, now he'd better be ready for the test.
The Steelers average 128.5 rush yard per game, 10th in the NFL. Not the best, but when you factor in Fields' running ability, their ground attack could have a decisive impact.
Smith will have to duplicate his ability to win at the point of attack, like he did against New York. Re-establishing the line of scrimmage into the Steelers backfield will help protect the Cowboys perimeter defense that will be severely impacted without Parsons and Lawrence.
I've been vocal about my criticism of Smith. The Giants game was a quantum leap for him. And credit to him for saying afterward, "I want to keep growing, don't want it to be a flash in the pan."
He said it and I couldn't agree more.
3. Dak and CeeDee - go earn your $$$
I'd hate to be Dak Prescott this week.
The Cowboys defense, that we already know struggles, will be without two of its best players. One of Prescott's starting receivers, the aforementioned Bradin Cooks, is out. And it's not like he can lean on the Dallas run game because it's non-existent. The Cowboys rank dead last in the NFL in rushing attempts (85) and yardage (301 yards) and next-to-last in yards per attempt (3.5 yards/rush).
Quick aside here because of where the Cowboys play this week. It's a great illustrator of how fast life goes in the NFL. The last time the Cowboys played in Pittsburgh was the rookie season for Prescott and running back Ezekiel Elliott, who was brilliant that day. Elliott perfectly picked through his blockers and Steeler defenders on an 83-yards screen pass touchdown. And he closed the show a 32-yard game-winning rushing touchdown with just seconds left. Elliott accounted for 209 from scrimmage that day. So far this season, in four games, he's produced a little more than half (117 yards) of that one game total.
The Cowboys could sure use echoes of vintage Zeke, but he doesn't look capable and that's why I summarily dismissed the move when they re-acquired him in the offseason.
Back to Dak. He and CeeDee Lamb will need to cook all game long like they did in the first half against the Giants. There was a concerted efforted to get Lamb involved in several ways and ended the day with 98 yards receiving on seven catches. Prescott was quick and decisive with his throws, and he'll need more of it.
What's in front of Prescott this game reminds me of his comments this spring when the media asked about the pressure that the Rangers World Series victory and the Stars and Mavs success to that point in the playoffs would put on the Cowboys.
He said, "the Rangers did it, other two – go do it. Put more %$&#@&$ pressure on us."
Prescott welcomed the pressure in that instance, and he's getting more than his fair share in this one. He and Lamb will have to go out and earn their big paychecks for the Cowboys to compete.
4. Cowboys offensive line vs TJ Watt
The Cowboys offensive line seems to be moving in the right direction. But like with most things in life, the improvement is not linear. Think more fits and starts.
Rookie left tackle Tyler Guyton has talent, but he's working through growing pains (and holding calls) that come along with being a rookie at his position.
His fellow tackle, Terence Steele, will get more than a workout facing T.J. Watt, one of the NFL's bonified game-wreckers. Watt led the NFL with 19 sacks last season, and the Cowboys will have to provide help to try and contain him.
Adding to the degree of difficulty will be the pressure provided from Cameron Heyward. They're the only teammates in the league this year who both have at least 80 career sacks. (Hat tip to WFAA colleague Ed Werder for that nugget).
It feels like it won't be a fair fight, and it will take a total team effort to keep Prescott upright and firing.
5. Field Goal Game
There's been a lotta gloom and doom in this week's column, but here's the silver lining for Cowboys fans.
With all of the Cowboys issues, the Steelers are just a 2.5-point favorite because it's not like they’re some offensive juggernaut. Pittsburgh ranks in the bottom third of the league in scoring at just 18.8 points per game.
So, there's hope, especially if it comes down to a field goal.
Brandon Aubrey, named NFC special teams player of the month this week, continues to be the best kicker in the league. His 12 field goals made are tops in the league through four weeks, and he booted a 65-yarder earlier this season that's second-longest in NFL history.
The Cowboys lead the NFL in field goal scoring, and the Steelers are second through the first month of the season.
For your sake, Cowboys fans, here's hoping the team's slight edge in that area, not to mention the strength of Aubrey's right leg, can make the difference.
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