Position battleground (defense): Cowboys vs Steelers head-to-head breakdown

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Pittsburgh’s defense is going to be a very tall test for the Cowboys.

Previously we broke down the offense for this week’s upcoming game for the Dallas Cowboys. Now we dive back into the position battleground, this time looking at how the defensive positions and special teams stack up against each other

DEFENSIVE LINE

Let’s start with the positive aspects, the run defense had a remarkable performance last week. The Cowboys’ defensive line restricted the New York Giants to a mere 26 rushing yards. Devin Singletary managed an average of only 1.7 yards per carry, while Daniel Jones averaged less than one yard per carry. Regardless of the level of competition, this achievement is truly impressive. Mazi Smith demonstrated exceptional strength, effectively fortifying the interior defense. Any run directed towards him was met with forceful tackles and the occasional body slam. If Smith continues to perform at this level, it could signify a pivotal moment for both him and the overall defense.

On the downside, DeMarcus Lawrence has been placed on injured reserve, and Micah Parsons is expected to be sidelined for several weeks. This presents a significant challenge, particularly in the upcoming game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, where applying pressure on Justin Fields is crucial for inducing turnovers and miatakes. The Cowboys’ defensive line faces a tough task this week as the Steelers’ offensive line has allowed the seventh fewest pressures and ranks tenth in average rushing yards per game. However, there is a glimmer of hope for the defensive line, as the Steelers’ offensive line is currently grappling with numerous injuries, raising concerns about the level of protection Fields will receive.

For the Steelers, the standout player to monitor is undoubtedly T.J. Watt. He currently leads the team in both sacks and tackles for loss, which comes as no surprise. As a unit, the Steelers are positioned in the middle tier of the league with a total of 11 sacks. Cameron Hayward, primarily playing at the 3-tech position on the right side, is having a commendable season, having recorded two sacks and 17 tackles, which is fourth on the team in most tackles. Additionally, Larry Ogunjobi and Keenau Benton are other inside defensive linemen to keep an eye on.

This Steelers defensive line has demonstrated effectiveness in run-stopping, and considering the challenges the Cowboys face with their run game, one would anticipate that the Steelers’ front will manage to control this part of the game proficiently. In terms of pass rush capabilities, given the injuries and difficulties faced by the Cowboys, Pittsburgh appears to have the advantage.
Win: Steelers

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LINEBACKER

It is no surprise that the Cowboys linebackers demonstrated improved performance last week, thanks to better support from the defensive line. Both DeMarvion Overshown and Eric Kendricks excelled in their roles, effectively addressing any runs that penetrated the box. They topped the team in tackles last week, collectively adding eight defensive stops. Additionally, Marist Liufau contributed positively, recording three tackles and three defensive stops.

Alex Highsmith is expected to be unavailable for this week’s game due to a groin strain. Patrick Queen is in good health and has proven to be an effective tackler, having recorded a total of 133 tackles last season. Additionally, rookie linebacker Payton Wilson has remained injury-free thus far and has participated in every game, contributing 11 tackles to the team’s efforts this season.

Conclusion:
The linebackers on both teams are playing well so far this year. The most obvious point to note is the fact the Cowboys defense ranks sixth-worst against the run, where the Steelers are third-best. That’s thanks a combination of both the defensive line and linebackers working efficiently and in unison.
Win: Steelers

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DEFENSIVE BACKS

Caelen Carson’s status for this week remains uncertain after he missed the previous game due to a shoulder injury; however, there are positive indications that he may return to play. This week, Trevon Diggs will sometimes be matched up against George Pickens, who recorded over 100 receiving yards in last week’s game against the Indianapolis Colts. A favorable aspect for Diggs is that Pickens has not yet scored a touchdown and had a fumble last week that was recovered by the Colts’ defense. Aside from the potential threat posed by Pickens, the wide receiver group does not present significant challenges, with Calvin Austin being the second most productive receiver, averaging just 30 yards per game. Pat Freiermuth is the Steelers real second receiving threat that the Dallas defense will need to address. Notably, the Cowboys’ secondary has permitted only 112 yards to opposing tight ends over the course of the first four games.

The Pittsburgh defense will encounter CeeDee Lamb, who is gradually regaining his form from the 2023 season. Currently, Lamb has accumulated 316 yards and two touchdowns, and he nearly surpassed the 100-yard mark in last week’s game. A slight advantage for the Pittsburgh defensive backs is the absence of Brandin Cooks, who will miss this week’s game due to a knee infection. Additionally, the Dallas receiving corps lacks a significant secondary threat, similar to the Steelers.

Jalen Tolbert will aim to make an impact as the WR2 this week, having recorded 160 yards and one touchdown so far. Consequently, Jake Ferguson is expected to play a prominent role against a defense that has effectively defended the tight end position to date. Joey Porter is experiencing a mix of performances, currently allowing a reception rate of 70% and has been penalized four times this season for excessive physicality. Conversely, Donte Jackson is performing significantly better, with one interception and a low reception rate of 52%. Both safeties, DeShon Elliott and Minkah Fitzpatrick, are excelling, leading the team in tackles, each contributing one pass breakup, and demonstrating strong coverage skills.

Conclusion:
The Steelers’ defense is demonstrating a high level of efficiency, which extends to the performance of the defensive backs. Currently, the team is allowing an average of 174 passing yards per game, ranking them ninth in the league for the fewest yards permitted this season. Additionally, the absence of Cooks from the starting lineup further reduces the receiving threat for the Steelers to contend with.
Win: Steelers

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SPECIAL TEAMS

Brandon Aubrey currently holds the top position in the league for both field goals and accuracy, boasting an impressive rate of 92%. He also leads in successful field goals from 50 yards or more, converting six out of seven attempts, and has achieved the longest field goal of 65 yards this season. Chris Boswell is also performing admirably, ranking second to Aubrey in field goal accuracy with an accuracy rate of 91%. Both kickers have been flawless on extra point attempts; however, Aubrey’s higher number of successful field goals give him the edge in this comparison.

In terms of punt returns, KaVontae Turpin stands out as he ranks second in average yards per return and remains the only player to have returned a punt for a touchdown this year. Juanyeh Thomas has been actively involved in kickoff returns, averaging 24 yards per return, while Turpin ranks third with an average of 35 yards per return. For the Steelers, Calvin Austin serves as the primary punt return specialist, ranking 11th in average punt return yards with 10.3 yards per return.
Win: Cowboys