NFL Week 5
Prescott throws game-winning pass to Tolbert with 20 seconds left
In a thrilling NFL matchup, the Dallas Cowboys narrowly defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 20-17, thanks to a last-minute touchdown pass from Dak Prescott to Jalen Tolbert. This dramatic conclusion unfolded in the early hours of Monday morning, following a game that was delayed by severe weather conditions. The victory marked the Cowboys' second consecutive win, improving their record to 3-2, while the Steelers fell to the same record after a promising 3-0 start.
The game at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh was initially delayed by nearly 90 minutes due to thunderstorms, setting an unusual tone for the night. Despite the delay, both teams struggled offensively in the first half, with Dallas leading 6-3 at halftime. The Cowboys' offense was led by Prescott, who threw for 352 yards and two touchdowns despite committing two interceptions and a fumble. His performance was crucial in overcoming these mistakes and leading his team to victory.
The Steelers, playing without their starting quarterback Russell Wilson due to a calf injury, relied on Justin Fields. Fields completed 15 of 27 passes for 127 yards and two touchdowns. His connection with tight end Pat Freiermuth gave Pittsburgh a late lead with just under five minutes remaining in the game. However, the Steelers' offense struggled overall, managing only 222 total yards against a Cowboys defense missing key players like Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence.
Rico Dowdle provided a significant boost to Dallas's rushing attack, which has been struggling this season. He ran for 87 yards and caught a sliding 22-yard touchdown pass early in the fourth quarter. This score capped off a 16-play, 90-yard drive that temporarily put the Cowboys ahead 13-10.
The fourth quarter was marked by intense back-and-forth action. Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. intercepted Prescott early in the quarter, setting up Fields' touchdown pass to Freiermuth that gave Pittsburgh a 17-13 lead. However, Prescott responded with a composed drive that spanned 70 yards over 15 plays. On fourth down from the four-yard line, Prescott found Tolbert in the end zone with just 20 seconds left on the clock, sealing the victory for Dallas.
Tolbert's performance was notable; he led all receivers with seven catches for 87 yards. Prescott's ability to connect with nine different receivers throughout the game showcased his versatility and determination to overcome earlier mistakes.
Defensively, both teams had standout moments. Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt recorded his 100th career sack during the game, becoming one of the fastest players in NFL history to reach this milestone. Despite this achievement and a strong defensive effort overall, Pittsburgh's defense could not prevent Dallas's decisive final drive.
The loss leaves Pittsburgh facing questions about their offensive consistency and ability to close out games after leading late into the fourth quarter. Meanwhile, Dallas will look to build on this momentum as they continue their season.
This game highlighted both teams' resilience and provided fans with an exciting finish despite challenging weather conditions and early struggles on both sides of the ball. As both teams move forward in their schedules, they will need to address their respective issues—Dallas with turnovers and Pittsburgh with offensive productivity—to remain competitive in their divisions.