Unsung heroes Tolbert, Dowdle lead Cowboys to last-minute win vs Steelers, 20-17
The Dallas Cowboys were extremely shorthanded entering Sunday night's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Down a slew of key defenders to begin with, they then had to sit through an hour and a half weather delay as storms passed through Acrisure Stadium. On their first defensive drive, they lost Marshawn Kneeland to a knee injury, as he was filling in for DeMarcus Lawrence and Micah Parsons. Quarterback Dak Prescott fumbled first and then threw a red-zone interception later, adding a third turnover in the second half on a deep pass.
It didn't matter. Thanks to RB Rico Dowdle and WR Jalen Tolbert's career days, the Cowboys had just enough offense to pull out a final-drive victory over the Steelers when on fourth down Prescott found Tolbert on a cross right over the goal line. Dallas' second touchdown of the night, right before 1 am on the east coast, gave the team a 20-17 win.
The victory improved the Cowboys to 3-2 on the young season, notching their first winning streak of 2024. The loss dropped the Steelers to a similar record.
Tolbert finished the game with a career and team-high 87 receiving yards, which went hand-in-hand with Dowdle's career high 87 rushing yards. Dowdle also caught two passes for 27 yards and the first score of the game.
The Cowboys also got step-up performances from Kavontae Turpin as WR Bradin Cooks missed the game after being placed on IR. Turpin caught four of his five targets for 50 yards.
Dallas was able to corral Steelers QB Justin Fields, who was coming off a a 300-passing yard performance last week. Fields had two passing touchdowns but accrued just 131 air yards and 27 on scrambles and designed runs.
The Dallas defense had three sacks and forced two fumbles, allowing the Steelers just 226 yards on the game. Playing without their two star edge rushers, and their two corners who start opposite Trevon Diggs in Daron Bland and Caelen Carson, Mike Zimmer's group had their best outing of the season, though they did allow Pittsburgh to march down the field and take a late lead.
Still, there's a ton to be proud of as the injuries continue to mount. Dallas lost two starting offensive linemen in the game as well. Rookie Tyler Guyton went out with a knee injury and stayed out as he was questionable to return. The team also lost RG Zack Martin to cramps, but he was able to return.
Next up for Dallas will be the 3-1 Detroit Lions coming to AT&T Stadium where the Cowboys will now try and solve their home woes as they've lost three consecutive games in blowout fashion.
