The Pittsburgh Steelers took another gut punch of a loss in Week 5, falling to the Dallas Cowboys 17-16 in a primetime heartbreaker. Despite facing a depleted Cowboys team, the Steelers’ offense sputtered, scoring only three points in the first half for the second consecutive game.
Let’s break down this disappointing loss and discuss the implications for the Steelers moving forward.
Slow Starts Continue to Plague the Steelers’ Offense
For the second week in a row, the Steelers’ offense struggled mightily in the first half, managing a meager three points. This trend of slow starts has plagued the team all season, raising serious concerns about their ability to consistently execute on the script.
Justin Fields, despite showing flashes of brilliance, had a particularly rough first half, completing only four of nine passes for a dismal 35 yards. While he wasn’t solely responsible for the offensive woes, his inability to connect with open receivers downfield was a glaring issue. The offensive line, despite facing a weakened Cowboys front seven, struggled to provide consistent protection, further hindering the offense’s ability to establish any rhythm.
Depth at Edge Rusher a Growing Concern
The Steelers’ vaunted defense, despite coming up with critical turnovers and a blocked field goal, looked visibly fatigued in the latter stages of the game. This fatigue was exacerbated by injuries to key players, particularly at the edge rusher position. Nick Herbig exited the game with a hamstring injury, and DeMarvin Leal left with a stinger, leaving T.J. Watt as the lone healthy starter.
While the Steelers possess decent depth at the position, the absence of Herbig and Leal will undoubtedly test their resilience moving forward. The Raiders, despite their struggles this season, still boast a formidable offense, and the Steelers will need to find a way to generate pressure even with a depleted pass rush.
The Need for Another Receiver is Painfully Obvious
The Steelers’ lack of a reliable second receiving option was once again exposed against the Cowboys. George Pickens, despite his undeniable talent, was largely neutralized by the Cowboys’ defense, finishing with only one catch for eight yards. Van Jefferson, while showing some signs of life in the second half, still lacks the consistency and explosiveness to truly threaten opposing defenses.
The need for another receiver is undeniable, and the Steelers should aggressively pursue any available options, be it Devonte Adams, DeAndre Hopkins, or another proven playmaker. The current receiving corps simply isn’t good enough to consistently support the offense, regardless of who’s under center.
Steelers Should Be 5-0, but Reality Bites
The Steelers, based on their talent and the relatively weak opponents they’ve faced, should be undefeated at this point in the season. However, their inability to finish games and their tendency to play down to their competition has cost them dearly. The Colts game, despite the early defensive struggles, was winnable, and the Cowboys, with their plethora of injuries, should have been a comfortable victory at home.
The reality is, the Steelers are 3-2 and tied atop the division with a surging Ravens team. The upcoming schedule, while featuring several winnable games, also includes a gauntlet of tough opponents in the latter half of the season. The margin for error is shrinking, and the Steelers need to start playing up to their potential if they want to secure a playoff spot.
The Quarterback Question Looms Large
The biggest question facing the Steelers moving forward is who will be their starting quarterback in Week 6 against the Raiders. Justin Fields, despite flashes of brilliance, has struggled in recent weeks, particularly in the first half of games. Russell Wilson, the team’s designated starter before his injury, appears to be nearing a return, creating a difficult decision for Mike Tomlin and his staff.
The arguments for both quarterbacks are compelling. Fields, while inconsistent, provides a dynamic rushing element that can open up the offense. However, his accuracy issues and inability to consistently progress through his reads remain a concern. Wilson, a proven veteran with a Super Bowl pedigree, offers a more polished dropback passing game, but his lack of mobility may limit the offense’s explosiveness.
Ultimately, the decision will likely come down to who Tomlin believes gives the team the best chance to win, both in the short term and the long term.
This loss stings, but the season is far from over. The Steelers still have a talented roster and a favorable schedule ahead of them. However, they need to address their offensive inconsistencies, find answers at edge rusher, and acquire another receiver if they want to truly contend for a championship.
The upcoming weeks will be crucial, and the decisions made by Tomlin and his staff will undoubtedly shape the course of the Steelers’ season.
