Looking at the latest Dallas Cowboys vs Steelers match player stats reveals one of the NFL’s most compelling rivalries continued to deliver excitement and drama in their October 2024 clash.
I’ve analyzed every aspect of this thrilling 20-17 Cowboys victory to bring you the most important numbers and performances that shaped this classic matchup.
Let’s break down exactly what happened when these two iconic franchises collided at Acrisure Stadium.
The Historic Cowboys-Steelers Rivalry: By The Numbers
The Cowboys and Steelers first met back in 1960, creating one of football’s most storied rivalries.
They’ve now faced off 34 times, with Dallas holding a slight 18-16 edge in the all-time series.
What makes this matchup special is their three Super Bowl meetings – the most of any two NFL teams. The Steelers have won two of those championship clashes, adding extra weight to every regular season meeting.
Home advantage seems to matter in this rivalry:
- Dallas boasts a 9-6 record at home against Pittsburgh
- Both teams have identical 8-8 records when playing at the other’s stadium
According to AiScore statistics, the Cowboys average 21.9 points per game against the Steelers historically, while Pittsburgh averages 21.2 points – highlighting just how evenly matched these teams are.
October 6, 2024: Cowboys 20, Steelers 17 Breakdown
The most recent battle between these football giants took place at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, with Dallas edging out a thrilling 20-17 victory with a dramatic last-minute touchdown.
Here’s how the scoring played out quarter-by-quarter:
- Q1: Cowboys 3, Steelers 3
- Q2: Cowboys 3, Steelers 0
- Q3: Cowboys 0, Steelers 7
- Q4: Cowboys 14, Steelers 7
The game-winning moment? Dak Prescott connecting with Jalen Tolbert for a clutch touchdown in the final minute that silenced the Pittsburgh crowd and secured a crucial road win for Dallas.
Key Player Stats That Decided The Game
When we look at the raw numbers from USA TODAY Sports, the quarterback comparison jumps out immediately:
Passing Yards:
- Dak Prescott (Cowboys): 352 yards
- Justin Fields (Steelers): 131 yards
Passing Attempts/Completions:
- Prescott: 29/42
- Fields: 15/27
Rushing Leaders:
- Rico Dowdle (Cowboys): 87 yards
- Najee Harris (Steelers): 42 yards
Receiving Standouts:
- Jalen Tolbert (Cowboys): 87 yards + game-winning TD
- Najee Harris (Steelers): 35 yards (also led Steelers in rushing)
Defensive Highlights:
- Eric Kendricks (Cowboys): 9 tackles
- Elandon Roberts (Steelers): 14 tackles
- Joey Porter Jr. (Steelers): 1 interception
- T.J. Watt (Steelers): 1.5 sacks
These stats tell the story of a game where Dallas dominated through the air while Pittsburgh’s defense kept things close enough for a potential upset.
Standout Individual Performances
Dak Prescott showed tremendous resilience despite throwing two interceptions. His 352 passing yards and two touchdowns late in the game demonstrated why he’s the Cowboys’ offensive leader.
Jalen Tolbert stepped up massively in the absence of injured Brandin Cooks. His career-best 87 receiving yards and game-winning touchdown catch proved he’s ready for bigger responsibilities in the Dallas offense.
Rico Dowdle was a genuine dual-threat, providing 87 rushing yards plus a receiving touchdown. His ground game kept the Steelers defence honest throughout the contest.
T.J. Watt continued to be the defensive cornerstone for Pittsburgh with 1.5 sacks. Even in defeat, his disruptive presence caused problems for the Cowboys’ offensive line, reinforcing his status as one of the league’s premier pass rushers.
Brandon Aubrey had a mixed day for Dallas – nailing two field goals (including a monster 55-yarder) but also having one attempt blocked. This special teams miscue nearly cost the Cowboys the game.
Team Statistical Comparison
When analyzing the overall team performance metrics from this matchup:
| Category | Cowboys | Steelers |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 439 | 241 |
| Passing Yards | 352 | 131 |
| Rushing Yards | 87 | 110 |
| First Downs | 24 | 15 |
| Turnovers | 2 | 1 |
| Time of Possession | 31:24 | 28:36 |
| Final Score | 20 | 17 |
Dallas dominated statistically but Pittsburgh’s defense and timely scoring kept this game competitive until the final whistle.
Expert Analysis of Key Matchups
According to several NFL analysts, this game featured several critical individual matchups that shaped the outcome:
CeeDee Lamb vs. Joey Porter Jr. was highlighted as a crucial battle, with Porter’s interception showing he could hold his own against elite receivers.
The Cowboys’ offensive line vs. T.J. Watt was another key factor, with Watt managing 1.5 sacks but Prescott still finding enough time to throw for 352 yards when it mattered most.
The running game importance was emphasized by experts from SportsLine, as both teams needed to establish ground attacks to set up their passing opportunities.
Historical Significance of This Rivalry
The Cowboys-Steelers rivalry represents two distinct football cultures clashing:
- The “high-tech glamour” of Dallas
- The “hard-nosed blue-collar” style of Pittsburgh
As YouTube documentaries highlight, these franchises have combined for 16 Super Bowl appearances and 11 championships, making every matchup feel historically significant.
Since 1970, they’ve been primetime fixtures – Dallas leads the NFL with 106 primetime wins, while Pittsburgh follows with 98.
The contrasting styles and fervent fanbases add extra intensity whenever these teams meet.
Recent Key Players Shaping The Rivalry
For the Cowboys, several stars have defined their recent performances:
- Dak Prescott – The steady hand directing the offense with precision passing
- CeeDee Lamb – Dynamic receiver creating matchup problems everywhere
- Micah Parsons – Explosive defensive force as both linebacker and edge rusher
- Trevon Diggs – Ball-hawking cornerback changing games with his interceptions
These players represent the current generation of Cowboys stars carrying forward the franchise’s legacy.
On the Steelers side, these players have made their mark:
- T.J. Watt – Elite pass rusher disrupting opposing quarterbacks consistently
- Minkah Fitzpatrick – Ball-hawking safety anchoring the secondary
- Najee Harris – Power runner grinding out tough yards and catching passes
- George Pickens – Emerging deep threat with exceptional catching ability
The Steelers depth chart shows how they’ve built around these core players.
What This Game Means For Both Teams Going Forward
This tight victory reinforces Dallas’s slight historical edge in the rivalry while demonstrating their ability to win close games on the road against quality opponents.
For Pittsburgh, the post-game analysis showed they have defensive toughness but need more offensive production, particularly in the passing game where Fields managed just 131 yards.
Special teams proved crucial – one blocked field goal could have changed the outcome entirely, highlighting the importance of all three phases in close games between evenly-matched opponents.
The NBC Sports analysis suggests both teams will build on this game film to improve their matchup strategies for future contests.
- Also Read: Chinatown Hawker Leftovers Consumption.
FAQs – Dallas Cowboys vs Steelers Match Player Stats
Which team leads the all-time series between Dallas and Pittsburgh?
The Cowboys lead the all-time series 18-16, including their most recent 20-17 victory in October 2024.
Who was the offensive MVP of the latest Cowboys-Steelers game?
Dak Prescott earned offensive honors with 352 passing yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winner.
Which defensive player had the biggest impact?
T.J. Watt’s 1.5 sacks for Pittsburgh and Joey Porter Jr.’s interception were the defensive highlights.
How many Super Bowls have these teams played against each other?
They’ve met three times in the Super Bowl, with Pittsburgh winning two of those matchups.
What was the turning point in their most recent game?
The game-winning touchdown pass from Prescott to Tolbert in the final minute sealed the victory for Dallas.
What are the historical point averages in this rivalry?
The Cowboys average 21.9 points per game against the Steelers, while Pittsburgh averages 21.2 points against Dallas.
Final Thoughts
The latest chapter in the Dallas Cowboys vs Steelers match player stats story shows why this rivalry remains one of the NFL’s most compelling matchups.
Both teams delivered memorable performances with standout individual stats across the board, from Prescott’s 352 passing yards to Watt’s defensive dominance.
The slim 20-17 margin perfectly captures how closely matched these historic franchises remain, with individual player performances often making the difference in these tightly contested games.
Whether you support the star or the steel curtain, the next Dallas Cowboys vs Steelers match player stats will undoubtedly add another thrilling chapter to this legendary rivalry that continues to deliver memorable moments and outstanding performances.
