Week 10 Cowboys

[ATL96Steeler]

Hillary just tasted a bit of what we've been feeling the last few weeks...defeat! lol Just kidding!

For a team that I was expecting to be a 1 or 2 seed is now battling just to win the AFCN...fortunately, BAL and CIN have not played any better so with 8 games to go the Steelers are still in good shape to play meaningful JAN football.

The 7-1 Dallas Cowboys come into Heinz Field this week. Playing surprisingly well on both sides of the ball, they're 4th ranked OFC and DEF. If you have seen them play at all this year, you know they are lead by two rookies on OFC, Dak Prescott QB and Zeke Elliott RB. Both are candidates for rookie of the year, but it's pretty clear, the OFC goes thru the rookie RB. Really odd how averages go, but with Ben missing a few games the Steeler OFC ranks 16 and the DEF 13...both middle of the pack.

Their DEF has been good, very good actually, but not really intimidating.

Injuries?

Pouncey (hand), Wheaton (shoulder), and DHB (foot) are all questionable. I don't expect DHB or Wheaton to play. Green (PUP), will he or won't he be activated this week? Tomlin has not committed, so I have no clue which way he's going to go. Dupree (IR to rtn) it's starting to look like another week maybe for him, but I'll wait and see.

This game...The Steelers didn't do anything consistently well in BAL. After a week off everyone expected a much better effort. Ben rarely plays badly two weeks in a row. I expect him to have a much better game and the OFC in general to be back in the 20s. The DEF...DAL went into WAS and GB and put up 27 & 30 pts respectively so they travel better than you might think for a rookie QB. I have major concerns about slowing down one of the best running games in the league. Dak is not really a running QB in the mold of Cam, but he can run and that added dimension has to be on Butler's mind this week. As they have against everyone else I think they will move the ball well on the ground, but maybe not score many TDs.

Don't feel great about this pick, but it's hard for me to see this team losing 4 straight...I'm going 27-23 Steelers.

What say you?

 

[Ewa PGH Fan]

I expect a bounce back game from Ben and the offense BUT I don't think our D can stop Dallas's Offense. So, I hope I'm as wrong as all the pollsters were about the election but 31-28 Dallas.

 

[cincygrad]

Dallas pushed the Bengals all over the field..... That team runs through an amazing offensive line. I would figure the Steelers would have to aggressively try to stop the run and make Dak beat them. I think the Steelers offense is due for a big game after the dud last week and I'd bet against the rookies in Pittsburgh. Steelers 26, Cowboys 19

 

[ATL96Steeler]

Dallas pushed the Bengals all over the field..... That team runs through an amazing offensive line. I would figure the Steelers would have to aggressively try to stop the run and make Dak beat them. I think the Steelers offense is due for a big game after the dud last week and I'd bet against the rookies in Pittsburgh. Steelers 26, Cowboys 19

I hope you're right...I watched the CIN @ DAL game and was surprised to see what I think is a very good front 4 get pushed around like that.

I expect them to run on the Steelers has well, but my hope is they are not as successful on 1st down...McCullers needs more 1st down snaps in this game imo...in fact I would take one of the OLBs off the field and go with two DTs.

I do expect the OFC to play much better and for Haley to get a lot more people involved eary in the game.

 

[UK Cowboy]

I hope you're right...I watched the CIN @ DAL game and was surprised to see what I think is a very good front 4 get pushed around like that.

I expect them to run on the Steelers has well, but my hope is they are not as successful on 1st down...McCullers needs more 1st down snaps in this game imo...in fact I would take one of the OLBs off the field and go with two DTs.

I do expect the OFC to play much better and for Haley to get a lot more people involved eary in the game.

The only team that has stopped the Dallas run game was NYG week 1, which was a combination of Zeke's first game and NY's salty front. Going to Pitt looked like a sure loss when the schedule came out, just glad we are playing well. I think this is a game we could win, but back to back road trips are usually a tough call

 

[ATL96Steeler]

The only team that has stopped the Dallas run game was NYG week 1, which was a combination of Zeke's first game and NY's salty front. Going to Pitt looked like a sure loss when the schedule came out, just glad we are playing well. I think this is a game we could win, but back to back road trips are usually a tough call

I agree DAL could win this game...DAL is playing better than PIT is right now...Steelers will be a fairly healthy team in terms of the guys they have counted on this season and they will be a desperate team Sunday, and I think that might propel them to a win. As I've said, Ben rarely plays badly two weeks in a row...the big key on the OFC is him coming off Brown much quicker if doubled, and Haley drawing up plays where Brown is not the number read.

 

[ATL96Steeler]

I expect a bounce back game from Ben and the offense BUT I don't think our D can stop Dallas's Offense. So, I hope I'm as wrong as all the pollsters were about the election but 31-28 Dallas.

It could be a high scoring game if they can contain the DAL run game...they are too good to be shut down imo.

 

[UK Cowboy]

I agree DAL could win this game...DAL is playing better than PIT is right now...Steelers will be a fairly healthy team in terms of the guys they have counted on this season and they will be a desperate team Sunday, and I think that might propel them to a win. As I've said, Ben rarely plays badly two weeks in a row...the big key on the OFC is him coming off Brown much quicker if doubled, and Haley drawing up plays where Brown is not the number read.

If Ben is 100%, the injuries to Claiborne and Church will be a problem for Dallas. I think Dallas will have some over the top opportunities early off play action, as I think Tomlin will commit extra guys to stuff the run

 

[Ewa PGH Fan]

I agree DAL could win this game...DAL is playing better than PIT is right now...Steelers will be a fairly healthy team in terms of the guys they have counted on this season and they will be a desperate team Sunday, and I think that might propel them to a win. As I've said, Ben rarely plays badly two weeks in a row...the big key on the OFC is him coming off Brown much quicker if doubled, and Haley drawing up plays where Brown is not the number read.

Baltimore was triple covering AB. When that happens someone else has to step up and get open against single coverage or cover 2. We know Ben should be back in synch and that makes a big difference provided the D can make some stops.

 

[Ewa PGH Fan]

It could be a high scoring game if they can contain the DAL run game...they are too good to be shut down imo.

I expect a high scoring game and with Heyward back the DL could hold it's own and slow Dallas' O enough for Ben and crew to outscore them..

 

[Ewa PGH Fan]

If this games was in Dallas I wouldn't give the Steelers much chance but thankfully it's at home where they play much better.

 

[ATL96Steeler]

I expect a high scoring game and with Heyward back the DL could hold it's own and slow Dallas' O enough for Ben and crew to outscore them..

I'm wondering do they take Moats or Jones off the field on 1st down and go with Tuit, Hargrave, McCullers, Heyward and back them up with Timmons, Shazier, and 1 OLB....either way it seems like McCullers should get some snaps on 1st down...maybe more than normal.

DAL DEF has been much better than expected...I'm still surprised with how they shut down GB in GB...but they are not a group to fear from what I've seen...PIT should score points.

 

[ATL96Steeler]

If Ben is 100%, the injuries to Claiborne and Church will be a problem for Dallas. I think Dallas will have some over the top opportunities early off play action, as I think Tomlin will commit extra guys to stuff the run

Maybe Butler brings a S in the box, maybe they take an OLB off the field in lieu of 4 DL...maybe a little of both...Considering how Mitchell (FS) played last week...I would certainly challenge him with a couple of deep balls.

 

[UK Cowboy]

I'm wondering do they take Moats or Jones off the field on 1st down and go with Tuit, Hargrave, McCullers, Heyward and back them up with Timmons, Shazier, and 1 OLB....either way it seems like McCullers should get some snaps on 1st down...maybe more than normal.

DAL DEF has been much better than expected...I'm still surprised with how they shut down GB in GB...but they are not a group to fear from what I've seen...PIT should score points.

This is a sharp take, I believe playing a 3 man front against Dallas OLine is an invitation to get ran over

 

[ATL96Steeler]

This is a sharp take, I believe playing a 3 man front against Dallas OLine is an invitation to get ran over

Yep...unless you just have an Allpro type NT (PIT does not), it's just easier to get second level blocks for the OL...I would play a 4 man DL for certain...The 1st rd pick LY Dupree is probably coming back next week, but neither of the OLBs they're starting right now are really studs. Steelers are set up to be a varied DEF with lots of sub pkgs...what has been missing is the pass rush...if they can get Dak into 3rd and passing I think they will take more chances blitzing.

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

O... I can agree that its rare for this offense to underwhelm for stretches at a time, but I'm thinking the underlying problems of bad coaching are starting to really take hold. As always, everything hinges on Ben. If Ben brings his A game then he will cover up the problems and make the coaches look good. But in order for that to happen the O-line needs to play with more consistency. And for the love of God, please sort out the issues with the presnap penalties. That was really embarrassing to hear Bell's comments on how that stuff happens in practice. What sort of coach allows that bullshit to happen in practice? Not a very smart one. They said the offense last week was tailored to a gimpy Ben, but that makes zero sense when you consider what he was able to do in the 4th quarter when they FINALLY opened up the offense. That's just stubborn coaching. Also if our WR's can catch balls thrown into their laps that'd be great.

D... Hate to say it, but their O matches up perfectly with just about any defense. Given how balanced they are, they can do damage all over the field. Limit the run game and pray that the secondary shows some sort of competency in 3-4 qtrs and they may have a shot in this game. Heyward & Tuitt CANNOT play 97% of defensive snaps again... Sure they shut down B'more's rush, but they can't expect to have that sort of stamina against a far superior Dallas' O-line. That's a recipe for failure.

Hate to sound defeatest, but after seeing this team come out of the bye-week with what looked like very little preparation & competitiveness, I just don't know how to feel confident about any more games. Not saying they won't or can't win, just sayin my confidence is shot. I have very little faith in the coaching staff anymore. And I am waiting to be proven wrong. I'll always gladly eat crow, but I have to see consistency before I believe in anything the Steelers are trying to sell this season.

If Ben plays lights out then this game is a win. But the fact that it all revolves around Ben is not enough for me to bank on a win. It's far too much to expect just 1 player to cover up the entire slew of problems that are plaguing this team.

DAL 34 - PIT 24

 

[ATL96Steeler]

O... I can agree that its rare for this offense to underwhelm for stretches at a time, but I'm thinking the underlying problems of bad coaching are starting to really take hold. As always, everything hinges on Ben. If Ben brings his A game then he will cover up the problems and make the coaches look good. But in order for that to happen the O-line needs to play with more consistency. And for the love of God, please sort out the issues with the presnap penalties. That was really embarrassing to hear Bell's comments on how that stuff happens in practice. What sort of coach allows that bullshit to happen in practice? Not a very smart one. They said the offense last week was tailored to a gimpy Ben, but that makes zero sense when you consider what he was able to do in the 4th quarter when they FINALLY opened up the offense. That's just stubborn coaching. Also if our WR's can catch balls thrown into their laps that'd be great.

D... Hate to say it, but their O matches up perfectly with just about any defense. Given how balanced they are, they can do damage all over the field. Limit the run game and pray that the secondary shows some sort of competency in 3-4 qtrs and they may have a shot in this game. Heyward & Tuitt CANNOT play 97% of defensive snaps again... Sure they shut down B'more's rush, but they can't expect to have that sort of stamina against a far superior Dallas' O-line. That's a recipe for failure.

Hate to sound defeatest, but after seeing this team come out of the bye-week with what looked like very little preparation & competitiveness, I just don't know how to feel confident about any more games. Not saying they won't or can't win, just sayin my confidence is shot. I have very little faith in the coaching staff anymore. And I am waiting to be proven wrong. I'll always gladly eat crow, but I have to see consistency before I believe in anything the Steelers are trying to sell this season.

If Ben plays lights out then this game is a win. But the fact that it all revolves around Ben is not enough for me to bank on a win. It's far too much to expect just 1 player to cover up the entire slew of problems that are plaguing this team.

DAL 34 - PIT 24

Even with it's negative tone...great post Face because it has a lot of truth in it.

No one I can't blame you one bit for not having confidence in this group after last week.

Bell's comments were particularly damning to Tomlin imo, but there had to be truth in it because it showed up on the field. Something to follow the rest of the season.

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

Even with it's negative tone...great post Face because it has a lot of truth in it.

No one can blame you one bit for not having confidence in this group after last week.

Bell's comments were particularly damning to Tomlin imo, but there had to be truth in it because it showed up on the field. Something to follow the rest of the season.

Apologies for the negativity. You've known me for some time now ATL, and you know how optimistic I usually am. Even through back to back 8-8 seasons I was still talking playoffs. But this season has me singing a completely different tune. There's just something particularly disheartening with the way they have been losing lately. The team looks unmotivated & sloppy.

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

Maurkice Pouncey delcares he will play Sunday vs. Dallas

Even if the thumb is gimpy, he can snap with his other hand or they can move him to guard. No reason why he can't play.

 

[ATL96Steeler]

Apologies for the negativity. You've known me for some time now ATL, and you know how optimistic I usually am. Even through back to back 8-8 seasons I was still talking playoffs. But this season has me singing a completely different tune. There's just something particularly disheartening with the way they have been losing lately. The team looks unmotivated & sloppy.

No apology needed bro.

I'm clinging by the last positive thread I have...if they lose this week, I will be in the same boat you are...I don't think they will go anywhere but home after CLE at home.

If they figure out out how to beat DAL, they're tie for the DIV lead again with a road game in CLE after that.

I give them a better than average chance to win this week only because they're backs are now against the wall, and DAL D is not really a high pressure unit, plus they have some DBs down as well.