The Pittsburgh Steelers are looking to bounce back from a tough 27-24 loss to the Indianapolis Colts last weekend as they prepare for their Week 5 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. After a performance where quarterback Justin Fields registered his highest passing yard total of the season (312), the Steelers are seeking redemption and hoping to fine-tune their offensive identity.
Despite Fields’ strong showing, his production primarily benefited one target: George Pickens. The dynamic wide receiver hauled in 7 catches for 113 yards on 11 targets, establishing himself as Fields’ go-to option in a losing effort.
This weekend’s matchup against a bruised and battered Cowboys secondary presents the perfect opportunity for Pittsburgh to expand its aerial attack. Dallas, who struggled against the New York Giants in Week 4, allowing Daniel Jones to throw for 281 yards, may be in even worse shape heading into Sunday.
The Cowboys’ top cornerbacks, Trevon Diggs and Caelen Carson, are both questionable for the game. This could spell trouble for a Dallas defense that has already shown vulnerability in its secondary.
For a Steelers offense still working to solidify its identity, facing a depleted Cowboys secondary could be the break they need. Fields has demonstrated his ability to air it out, and now more receivers need to step up and take advantage of the mismatches in coverage.
Calvin Austin III is primed for a big day, as the Cowboys’ lack of depth at defensive back will give him opportunities to stretch the field. The speedster has shown flashes of his potential and could be instrumental in breaking the game open. Austin III caught a 55-yard dagger from Fields in Week 2 to secure a win against the Los Angeles Chargers.
While George Pickens and Calvin Austin III seem poised for success, it would be a welcome sight to see Roman Wilson and Van Jefferson make an impact in the passing game. So far, both receivers have struggled to find their footing this season, but there’s no better opportunity than now to abuse the weaker coverage Dallas will roll out on Sunday.
If Justin Fields can build on last week’s performance and effectively distribute the ball against this Cowboys secondary, there’s no reason why Pittsburgh can’t come away with their fourth win.
Fields has already shown he can outperform quarterbacks like Daniel Jones, and with the right game plan, the Steelers’ passing attack should have a productive day against Dallas. An efficient air game could be the key to the Steelers’ success.
