There was plenty of buzz surrounding the Dallas Cowboys’ Sunday night showdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers, and with good reason. Dallas and Pittsburgh have faced off in some of the most memorable Super Bowl matchups, making their games feel historic before they even begin.
NBC even leaned into this narrative by airing a pregame video featuring none other than Celine Dion, setting the stage for what would be a memorable night — even with a 90-minute weather delay before kickoff.
The Cowboys ultimately walked away with a 20-17 win, extending their all-time lead over the Steelers. Here are the key historical notes from this game and how it adds to the Cowboys’ rich history.
“Sometimes, some nights, it all just comes back.” @celinedion
Cowboys. Steelers. A timeless classic on Sunday Night Football. pic.twitter.com/RzgmLRk8L6
— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) October 7, 2024
#1. Rico Dowdle’s 87 Yards: A Rare Feat
Rico Dowdle’s performance on Sunday stood out, and for good reason. His 87 rushing yards were the most by any Cowboys running back this season. Surprisingly, no Cowboys running back had eclipsed 87 yards in a game since Week 3 of last season, in a blowout loss to the Arizona Cardinals.
In fact, it’s only the seventh time since the start of the 2022 season that a Dallas rusher has hit this mark. While it may seem like an arbitrary number, it’s noteworthy for a team still trying to find its identity in the running game.
#2. Winning Despite Turnovers
The Cowboys managed to win despite committing three turnovers — all charged to quarterback Dak Prescott. Winning in this scenario is rare. This was only the fourth time in the Mike McCarthy era that the Cowboys have won a game while committing at least three turnovers.
To put it into perspective, NFL teams are 60-287 when committing three turnovers or more over the last few seasons. So, the Cowboys had to rely heavily on the Steelers failing to capitalize on those extra opportunities.
#3. Dak Prescott’s Turnover History
Speaking of turnovers, Prescott’s three turnovers — two interceptions and a fumble — made Sunday night’s game the 11th in his career where he’s had at least two interceptions and a fumble. Interestingly, Dallas is now 5-6 in such games, with four of those wins coming in their last five attempts.
This shows how much the Cowboys have improved their ability to rally in tough situations, a testament to the team’s resilience under pressure.
#4. CeeDee Lamb’s Quiet but Effective Start
While CeeDee Lamb’s start to the season may not have generated the same buzz as last year, he’s quietly putting up solid numbers. Through five games, Lamb has more receiving yards (by 20) and an additional touchdown compared to this point in 2023. He also leads the league in yards after the catch over expected, with impressive numbers against man coverage as well.
Considering where the Cowboys were after their Week 5 loss to the 49ers last year, the current outlook for Lamb and the offense is much brighter.
#5. Cowboys’ Perfect Start on the Road
The Cowboys have started 3-0 on the road this season, a rare accomplishment. They’re the 15th team in franchise history to win their first three road games, and every one of the previous 14 teams reached the postseason.
Given that Mike McCarthy’s teams have historically been dominant at home, this strong road start is significant and could be a sign of what’s to come. The real test will come after their bye week when they face the 49ers on the road, a place that has been a house of horrors for Dallas in recent years.
The Cowboys’ win over the Steelers on Sunday night wasn’t without its hiccups, but it was a game filled with historical significance and plenty of notable moments. With three road wins and some key players stepping up, Dallas seems to be in a strong position as they look toward the remainder of the season.
