The Pittsburgh Steelers and Dallas Cowboys gave fans quite the spectacle in Sunday’s nightcap, which felt more like a mud wrestling match.
Due to a weather delay in Western Pennsylvania, kickoff was pushed back by an hour and 25 minutes.
Once play began, fans of these two historic franchises were treated to a first half filled with old-school football.
Their performances were even more impressive considering the tough field conditions.
At halftime, Pittsburgh trailed 6-3. Both teams started with field goals—a predictable outcome given that Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey and Steelers veteran Chris Boswell are among the best in the game.
After both teams exchanged punts, applying strong pressure on the quarterbacks and containing the running games, edge rusher T.J. Watt made a crucial play.
On the last snap of the first quarter, Watt sacked Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott, and fellow edge rusher Nick Herbig recovered the fumble, halting a red zone drive.
This sack marked the 100th of Watt’s career and was the first standout moment of the night.
However, the Steelers offense couldn’t capitalize on the turnover.
Dallas appeared to be struggling with injuries, which affected their game plan.
Starting left tackle Tyler Guyton left for the locker room, and rookie edge rusher Marshawn Kneeland suffered what seemed to be a serious knee injury in the first half.
With star edge rushers Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence already out of the game, Pittsburgh had a clear opportunity to exploit the Cowboys’ weakened defense. Aubrey nailed his second field goal with 8:55 left in the second quarter.
Dallas quickly regained possession and recorded its longest gain of the night with a 48-yard pass to receiver Jalen Tolbert. The Steelers responded in the final minute of the half.
After Prescott led Dallas into the red zone, he was intercepted while targeting star receiver CeeDee Lamb in the end zone.
With two red zone turnovers in as many quarters, Pittsburgh stayed within reach despite a slow offensive start.
The Steelers ran out the clock at the end of the half, content with their defensive success.
