Cowboys Triumph Despite Absences, Edge Steelers with Gritty Win
In a hard-fought duel against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Dallas Cowboys emerged victorious with a 20-17 win in Week 5. The victory was especially impressive given the absence of several key players. Brandin Cooks, Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence, DaRon Bland, and Caelen Carson were all sidelined due to injuries, yet the depth of the roster proved sufficient to secure the win.
Tyler Smith was among those who stepped up when the team needed it most, filling in at left tackle for the injured Tyler Guyton. After the game, head coach Mike McCarthy expressed his admiration for Smith's seamless transition and performance under pressure. "Can't give enough respect for Tyler Smith to just jump out there and play the way he did," McCarthy commented, acknowledging the formidable edge pieces of the Steelers' defense.
However, not all battles were won on the gridiron for the Cowboys. Marshawn Kneeland and the aforementioned Tyler Guyton both exited the game with injuries. Kneeland is scheduled for a medical procedure for a knee injury but is expected to return later in the regular season. Guyton's absence was mitigated by Smith's adaptability, a testament to the team’s depth that owner Jerry Jones commended. "The more of your depth that can play, that is a positive," Jones noted, highlighting the importance of a robust roster in overcoming injury setbacks.
While injuries remain a concern, the Cowboys demonstrated their defensive prowess through the collaborative efforts of Chauncey Golston, Tyrus Wheat, and Carl Lawson, who collectively recorded 10 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and four quarterback pressures. Their performance was crucial in maintaining pressure on the Steelers' offense and clinching the win.
The defense had been bolstered by the acquisition of K.J. Henry, signed from the Cincinnati Bengals practice squad, further enhancing their lineup. This depth proved vital, especially with DaRon Bland expected to miss six to eight weeks due to a stress fracture in his foot. Despite this setback, optimism persists within the Cowboys' camp. Stephen Jones, executive vice president, expressed confidence in Bland's return, stating, "I think DaRon Bland has a real chance... Short of a real setback, DaRon should be ready to dress and help us on the defensive side of the ball and the secondary."
Looking back to Week 4, Amani Oruwariye's game-sealing interception against the Giants showcased the strength of the Cowboys’ substitute players. This ability to step up when needed is something Jerry Jones emphasized post-game. "It [the win] shows me that our guys do step up," he reflected. "If you're going to have a winning team over the course of a year with the injury attrition you can have, you got to have young players step up."
The Cowboys will soon face the Detroit Lions, and the lessons from their latest win will be invaluable. The resilience shown by Dallas, battling through both the Steelers' persistent challenge and their own roster limitations, sets a strong precedent for the challenges ahead. Their triumph speaks not only to the quality of their depth players but also to the indomitable spirit that defines championship-caliber teams.