In a tightly contested “Sunday Night Football” matchup, the Dallas Cowboys edged out the Pittsburgh Steelers with a 20-17 victory, overcoming red zone struggles. Dak Prescott found Jalen Tolbert for the game-winning touchdown on a pivotal fourth-and-goal play, where Tolbert gained crucial separation from Steelers safety DeShon Elliott.

Despite Prescott’s three turnovers, the Cowboys dominated total yardage, amassing 445 yards to the Steelers’ 226. This win improved Dallas’s record to 3-2, placing them just one game behind the surprising Washington Commanders in the early NFC East race.

The game turned on a key fourth down, with Prescott standing tall in the pocket to deliver a precise pass to Tolbert. After Brandon Aubrey’s successful extra point, the Steelers had only 20 seconds left to attempt to tie the game. The Cowboys, meanwhile, had moved 37 yards in seven plays, reaching the Steelers’ 33-yard line with three timeouts remaining, ready to take back the lead.

Critics have labeled Dak Prescott a “stat monster,” noting his struggles to translate impressive stats into wins for the Cowboys. Currently, he ranks third in the league in passing yards, contributing to the team’s 2-2 record. The Cowboys’ defense, particularly in rush defense, remains a concern, despite a strong showing against the Giants, where they allowed just 26 rushing yards. With Demarcus Lawrence sidelined for at least a month due to injury, the Cowboys face mounting challenges ahead.

This situation could benefit the 3-1 Pittsburgh Steelers, who excel in rushing and currently sit in the top ten for the season. Quarterback Justin Fields is still working on his consistency, and with Russell Wilson nearing a return from a calf injury, the Steelers’ strong defense—second in points allowed and fourth in yards allowed—may only need a game manager to secure a win and assert their position in the competitive AFC North.

Prior to the game, the Pittsburgh Steelers, boasting a solid 3-1 home record, were eager to protect their turf against the 2-2 Dallas Cowboys. With seven more home games this season, the Steelers aimed to maintain their edge, having outscored opponents by 22 points at home. Conversely, Dallas has struggled with a negative point differential of minus-7 despite winning both their road games.

The Steelers hold a significant advantage in turnover battles, going 22-3 since 2020 when they avoid turnovers. However, the Cowboys could threaten with their offensive capabilities, averaging 5.4 yards per play, compared to Pittsburgh’s 4.9. Dallas’ main vulnerability lies in their run defense, having allowed 282 more rushing yards than they’ve gained in 2024. The Steelers, although averaging only 3.7 yards per rush, have outperformed their opponents on the ground by 41.7 yards per game.

The game’s kickoff was delayed due to severe weather conditions. “Kickoff for the Sunday night matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium has been postponed because of inclement weather.

Originally set for 8:20 p.m. ET, the game will now start around 9:45 p.m. ET, as reported by NBC. Players are expected back on the field by 9:25 p.m. ET. Due to severe thunderstorms and lightning, players were sent off the field and fans were advised to seek cover and leave the seating area,” the official statement noted.