The Dallas Cowboys managed to survive a Week 5 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday Night Football after a fourth-and-goal touchdown in the last seconds of the game, but what did the team demonstrate during this low-scoring win?
Although Dallas struggled in multiple facets during the 20-17 win, the team managed to pull off a comeback victory after quarterback Dak Prescott found wide receiver Jalen Tolbert in the end zone with just 20 seconds remaining.
Many of the issues the Cowboys encountered on Sunday night can be explained by the injuries the team is dealing with, but there are still significant takeaways from the win.
Red Zone Struggles Continue
Despite the Cowboys featuring one of the best quarterback and wide receiver duos in the entire league, the offense has struggled to convert red zone appearances into points through the first five games of the year.
The Cowboys have crossed the endzone just 11 times this season, which is tied for the 16th-highest number of touchdowns. A large part of this is due to issues that arise once the team crosses the 20-yard line.
Dallas currently ranks 22nd in the league in red zone touchdown percentage at just 46.15%, a notable dropoff from the 57.89% conversion rate during the 2023 season, according to Team Rankings.
The Cowboys’ struggles inside the red zone persisted during their win over the Steelers. The team lost 17 points due to three turnovers in the red zone.
In the first half, a lost fumble at the 20-yard line and an interception at the 2-yard line cost the team a potential 14 points. In the second half, a blocked field goal took another three potential points off the board.
Although these lost points did not result in the Cowboys losing to the Steelers, losing potential points could cost the team a win in the future if problems are not addressed.
Are The Cowboys Road Warriors?
The Cowboys have become known as one of the best teams in the NFL when playing at home, but that notion might be flipping as America’s Team has been one of the best teams on the road to begin this season.
Dallas has a record of 40-19 when playing at home since 2017 while scoring an average of 30 points per game, the highest average of any team in the NFL during that span.
However, this success in the past has yet to translate to the current season as the Cowboys have a 0-2 home record and have struggled to avoid being blown out in each matchup against the New Orleans Saints and Baltimore Ravens.
The Cowboys trailed by at least 22 points in each of these games before bringing the score closer in the final quarter of each game, as the team has managed to score an average of just 22 points in these games.
Rather than picking up wins in their home stadium, the Cowboys have gone 3-0 this season when playing on opposing teams’ fields, a significant shift from their previous success.
Dallas has accumulated a record of 32-29 when playing on the road since 2017, scoring an average of 22.5 points per game in these matchups.
Although the Cowboys have increased their scoring slightly, with an average of 24.33 points per game in the three wins, the defense has had the biggest impact on winning on the road.
The Cowboys have given up just 16.33 points per game to opposing teams while playing on the road this season, and they have also allowed only four offensive touchdowns.
Dallas will now look to get back on track at home with a win in Week 6 against the Detroit Lions. With a win and a loss by the Washington Commanders, the Cowboys will have a chance to take control of the division.
