The Dallas Cowboys vs Steelers Match Player Stats are two of the NFL’s most storied franchises, with a rivalry that spans decades and includes epic Super Bowl battles. Their October 6, 2024, matchup at Acrisure Stadium was a thrilling chapter in this historic clash, ending with a dramatic 20-17 Cowboys victory. This SEO-friendly article breaks down the player stats, key performances, and critical moments from that game, written in a conversational tone that’s easy to understand for fans of all ages. Whether you’re a die-hard supporter of America’s Team or the Steel Curtain, let’s dive into the numbers and stories that made this game unforgettable.
A Dallas Cowboys vs Steelers Match Player Stats Rivalry Steeped in History
Before we get into the 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 18-16 edge. This rivalry is iconic, featuring three Super Bowl matchups (X, XIII, and XXX), with Pittsburgh winning the first two in the 1970s and Dallas taking the third in 1996. The 2024 game was no less intense, marked by a weather delay, injuries, and a nail-biting finish. Let’s break down the player performances that shaped this primetime showdown.
Team Dallas Cowboys vs Steelers Match Player Stats Overview
The Cowboys outgained the Steelers significantly, racking up 445 total yards to Pittsburgh’s 226. Dallas dominated possession with 32:29 compared to Pittsburgh’s 27:31 and ran 75 plays to the Steelers’ 57. However, the game was closer than the stats suggest, as Dallas committed 11 penalties for 87 yards and turned the ball over three times, keeping Pittsburgh in the fight. The Steelers, meanwhile, were disciplined with only eight penalties for 50 yards but struggled offensively, averaging just 4.0 yards per play compared to Dallas’ 5.9.
Here’s a quick snapshot of the team stats:
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Total Yards: Cowboys 445, Steelers 226
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First Downs: Cowboys 25, Steelers 17
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Turnovers: Cowboys 3 (2 INTs, 1 fumble), Steelers 1 (1 fumble)
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Third-Down Conversions: Cowboys 9/15 (60%), Steelers 3/12 (25%)
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Time of Possession: Cowboys 32:29, Steelers 27:31
Now, let’s zoom in on the players who made the difference.
Dallas Cowboys: Key Player Stats
Dak Prescott (QB) – The Clutch Performer
Dak Prescott was the heart of the Cowboys’ victory, delivering a performance that mixed brilliance with human error. He completed 29 of 42 passes (69%) for 352 yards, throwing two touchdowns and two interceptions. Despite a fumble on a strip-sack by T.J. Watt and Nick Herbig in the first quarter and an interception in the end zone, Prescott stayed composed. His game-winning drive—a 15-play, 70-yard masterpiece—ended with a 4-yard touchdown pass to Jalen Tolbert with just 20 seconds left. Prescott also showed heads-up play by recovering a fumble by Rico Dowdle at the 4-yard line, preserving Dallas’ chance to win.
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Stats: 29/42, 352 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, 3 rushing yards
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Highlight: Game-winning TD pass to Tolbert under pressure from T.J. Watt
Prescott’s ability to shake off mistakes and deliver in crunch time reminded everyone why he’s one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks. His 352 yards were a testament to his resilience, especially behind a battered offensive line missing key starters.
Jalen Tolbert (WR) – The Unsung Hero
With star receiver Brandin Cooks sidelined by a knee infection, Jalen Tolbert stepped up big time. He caught seven passes for 87 yards, including the game-winning 4-yard touchdown. His 48-yard reception in the second quarter set up a field goal, showcasing his ability to stretch the field. Tolbert’s emergence gave Dallas’ passing attack a new dimension, especially against a tough Steelers secondary led by Joey Porter Jr.
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Stats: 7 receptions, 87 yards, 1 TD
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Highlight: Clutch TD catch with 20 seconds remaining
Tolbert’s performance was a breakout moment, proving he can be a reliable target when the Cowboys need him most.
Rico Dowdle (RB) – Dual-Threat Weapon
Rico Dowdle was a workhorse, carrying the ball 20 times for 87 yards (4.4 yards per carry) and catching a 22-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter to give Dallas a 13-10 lead. His eight carries for 36 yards on the game-winning drive were crucial, though a fumble at the goal line nearly cost the Cowboys. Fortunately, Prescott recovered it. Dowdle’s versatility as a runner and receiver kept Pittsburgh’s defense guessing.
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Stats: 20 carries, 87 yards; 2 receptions, 27 yards, 1 TD
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Highlight: 22-yard TD catch to take the lead in the fourth
The Cowboys’ run game has struggled in 2024, but Dowdle’s performance showed promise for a more balanced attack.
Jake Ferguson (TE) – Reliable Target
Tight end Jake Ferguson was a steady presence, catching six passes for 70 yards. His 27-yard reception in the second quarter, aided by excellent downfield blocking from CeeDee Lamb, set up a field goal. Ferguson’s ability to find soft spots in Pittsburgh’s zone defense was key, especially on third downs.
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Stats: 6 receptions, 70 yards
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Highlight: 27-yard catch with Lamb’s blocking
CeeDee Lamb (WR) – Battling Through Adversity
CeeDee Lamb, Dallas’ star receiver, faced tight coverage from Joey Porter Jr. but still managed five catches for 62 yards. A miscommunication with Prescott led to an interception in the end zone, but Lamb’s downfield blocking and ability to draw defensive attention opened opportunities for others.
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Stats: 5 receptions, 62 yards
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Highlight: Key block on Ferguson’s 27-yard gain
Brandon Aubrey (K) – Mixed Night
Kicker Brandon Aubrey was 2-for-3 on field goals, hitting from 55 and 33 yards but having a 38-yard attempt blocked. His 55-yarder early in the game gave Dallas a 3-0 lead, showcasing his strong leg.
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Stats: 2/3 FGs, 1/1 extra points
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Highlight: 55-yard FG to open the scoring
Defensive Standouts
The Cowboys’ defense, despite missing Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence, held Pittsburgh to 226 yards and 17 points. Linebacker Eric Kendricks led with nine tackles, while safety Donovan Wilson added seven. The defense limited Pittsburgh to 3-of-12 on third downs and allowed just 3.7 yards per rush, a stark improvement from earlier games where Dallas struggled against the run.
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Eric Kendricks: 9 tackles
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Donovan Wilson: 7 tackles
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Team Impact: Held Steelers to 92 rushing yards, 2/2 red-zone TDs
Pittsburgh Steelers: Key Player Stats
Justin Fields (QB) – Solid but Not Enough
Justin Fields, starting in place of the questionable Russell Wilson, completed 15 of 27 passes for 131 yards and two touchdowns, with no interceptions. He also rushed for 27 yards on six carries. Fields connected with Connor Heyward for a 16-yard touchdown in the third quarter and Pat Freiermuth for a 6-yard score in the fourth. However, his 4.8 yards per pass attempt reflected Pittsburgh’s conservative approach, and he couldn’t match Prescott’s late-game heroics.
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Stats: 15/27, 131 yards, 2 TDs; 6 carries, 27 yards
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Highlight: 16-yard TD pass to Heyward
Fields showed flashes of potential but lacked the explosive plays needed to keep up with Dallas’ offense.
Najee Harris (RB) – Grinding It Out
With Jaylen Warren and Cordarrelle Patterson out, Najee Harris carried the load, rushing 14 times for 42 yards (3.0 yards per carry). Pittsburgh’s run game struggled against Dallas’ improved front, averaging just 3.5 yards per rush. Harris fought for tough yards but couldn’t break free for big gains.
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Stats: 14 carries, 42 yards
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Highlight: Kept drives alive with short gains
Pat Freiermuth (TE) – Red-Zone Threat
Tight end Pat Freiermuth was Fields’ go-to target, catching three passes for 22 yards and a 6-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter to give Pittsburgh a 17-13 lead. His 19-yard reception earlier in the drive set up the score. Freiermuth’s reliability in the red zone was a bright spot for the Steelers.
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Stats: 3 receptions, 22 yards, 1 TD
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Highlight: 6-yard TD catch to take the lead
Connor Heyward (TE) – Surprise Contributor
Connor Heyward made an impact with a 16-yard touchdown catch in the third quarter, his only reception of the game. The score gave Pittsburgh a 10-6 lead, but the Steelers couldn’t build on it.
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Stats: 1 reception, 16 yards, 1 TD
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Highlight: 16-yard TD to open the second half
T.J. Watt (LB) – Defensive Monster
T.J. Watt was a force, recording a half-sack (shared with Nick Herbig) to reach 100 career sacks in just 109 games, the second-fastest in NFL history. He also pressured Prescott throughout, contributing to Dallas’ offensive line struggles. Watt’s presence was felt, but it wasn’t enough to stop the Cowboys’ final drive.
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Stats: 0.5 sacks, multiple pressures
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Highlight: Strip-sack on Prescott in the first quarter
Elandon Roberts (LB) – Tackling Machine
Linebacker Elandon Roberts led the Steelers with 14 tackles, anchoring a defense that kept the game close despite being outgained. His ability to stop the run and cover tight ends like Ferguson was critical.
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Stats: 14 tackles
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Highlight: Consistent run defense
Joey Porter Jr. (CB) – Locking Down Lamb
Joey Porter Jr. battled CeeDee Lamb in a marquee matchup, limiting him to five catches and picking off Prescott in the end zone. His physical coverage disrupted Dallas’ passing game, though Tolbert’s big plays hurt Pittsburgh’s secondary.
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Stats: 1 interception, multiple pass breakups
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Highlight: End-zone INT to keep Pittsburgh in the game
Chris Boswell (K) – Reliable as Always
Kicker Chris Boswell was perfect, hitting a 41-yard field goal to tie the game at 3-3 in the first quarter. His consistency kept Pittsburgh competitive early.
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Stats: 1/1 FGs, 2/2 extra points
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Highlight: 41-yard FG to answer Dallas’ opening score
Critical Matchup Analysis
CeeDee Lamb vs. Joey Porter Jr.
This matchup was billed as a clash of the new generation, and it lived up to the hype. Porter’s physicality limited Lamb’s production, but Lamb’s blocking and ability to draw coverage opened opportunities for Tolbert and Ferguson. Porter’s interception was a highlight, but Dallas’ depth at receiver ultimately prevailed.
Ground Game Battle
Both teams rely on the run to set up their passing attacks, but neither dominated on the ground. Dallas’ 109 rushing yards (3.5 yards per carry) edged Pittsburgh’s 92 (3.5 yards per carry). Dowdle’s dual-threat ability gave the Cowboys an advantage, while Pittsburgh’s run game sputtered without Warren and Patterson.
Injury Impact
The Cowboys were hit hard by injuries, missing Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence, Brandin Cooks, and losing rookie Marshawn Kneeland early. Pittsburgh was without Alex Highsmith, Jaylen Warren, and Cordarrelle Patterson. Both teams showed resilience, but Dallas’ depth on offense proved decisive.
Game-Changing Moments
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Weather Delay: A hailstorm delayed the game by over an hour, pushing the start to 9:45 p.m. ET. Both teams had to stay loose, with Prescott eating a protein waffle and doing drills during the wait.
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Prescott’s Turnovers: Two interceptions and a fumble in the red zone kept Pittsburgh in the game, costing Dallas early points.
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Tolbert’s TD: The 4-yard touchdown catch with 20 seconds left capped a 15-play drive and sealed the win for Dallas.
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Watt’s Milestone: T.J. Watt’s half-sack marked his 100th career sack, a historic moment in a losing effort.
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Dowdle’s Fumble and Recovery: Dowdle’s fumble at the goal line could have ended Dallas’ hopes, but Prescott’s quick recovery kept the drive alive.
Why This Game Matters
The Cowboys’ victory moved them to 3-2, keeping them in the NFC East race behind the 4-1 Washington Commanders. For Pittsburgh, the loss dropped them to 3-2, ending their undefeated start. The game showcased the resilience of both teams, with Dallas overcoming injuries and turnovers and Pittsburgh fighting despite offensive struggles. The player stats tell a story of clutch performances, defensive grit, and a rivalry that continues to captivate fans.
Dallas Cowboys vs Steelers Match Player Stats Historical Context
The Dallas Cowboys vs Steelers Match Player Stats rivalry is one of the NFL’s greatest, with 20 Hall of Famers involved in their Super Bowl XIII matchup alone. Dallas’ 18-16 series lead reflects how closely matched these teams are. Their contrasting styles—Dallas’ offensive firepower versus Pittsburgh’s defensive toughness—make every game a must-watch.
What’s Next?
The Cowboys face the Detroit Lions in Week 6, looking to build on their road success (3-0 away in 2024). The Steelers take on the Las Vegas Raiders, hoping to get their offense back on track. Both teams will need to address injuries and refine their game plans to stay in playoff contention.
Conclusion
The Dallas Cowboys vs Steelers Match Player Stats on October 6, 2024, was a classic, with Dak Prescott’s late-game heroics and Jalen Tolbert’s clutch touchdown stealing the show. Despite turnovers and injuries, Dallas’ 445 yards and 60% third-down conversion rate overwhelmed Pittsburgh’s gritty defense. For the Steelers, Justin Fields and T.J. Watt showed why they’re stars, but it wasn’t enough. This game added another thrilling chapter to a rivalry that’s been must-see TV for over 60 years. Whether you’re cheering for the Cowboys or Steelers, the player stats from this matchup tell a story of heart, hustle, and history.