The Pittsburgh Steelers have a tendency to show rookie quarterbacks a stern welcome to the NFL — just look at what they did to Andy Dalton and Johnny Manziel in each’s first year as a pro. In particular, linebacker James Harrison gave the two a lesson they’ll likely never forget.
On Sunday, the Steelers will host another rookie quarterback, Dak Prescott, when he comes to Heinz Field with his Dallas Cowboys. While there had been rumors swirling that longtime Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo would be active for Sunday’s game and that he could potentially see time under center, it was reported by NFL Network that Romo won’t even be listed as an active roster member for Sunday’s game.
So now it’s officially official. The Steelers will get to see Prescott, who has taken the NFL by storm and is already getting very, very strong Rookie of the Year consideration. Pittsburgh, which is coming off a three-game losing streak, is going to have a tough test against the Cowboys, who are 7-1 and first in the NFC East division.
And Prescott isn’t Dallas’ only weapon. Ezekiel Elliott, the Cowboys’ rookie running back, is also generating a lot of buzz — and rightly so.
Both rookies have been sensational in the eight games thus far this season. Prescott has thrown for 2,020 yards, with 12 touchdowns and only two interceptions. His run game is also impressive; he’s rushed the ball 31 times for 125 yards and four touchdowns.
If Prescott does have a flaw, it’d be his five fumbles, two of which he lost.
Elliott has rushed the ball 177 times for 891 yards and seven touchdowns. As a receiver, Elliott has recorded 16 receptions for 155 yards and no touchdowns. He’s fumbled the ball three times this season, only losing the ball once.
Fumbles are where the Steelers can get both Elliott and Prescott. Harrison and fellow linebackers Lawrence Timmons and Jarvis Jones love to force fumbles — and they’re quite good at doing so.
Pittsburgh’s defensive line will have its hands full with a strong Dallas Cowboys offensive line, one of the best in the league after being rejuvenated in the past few years both through the draft and free agency.
The Steelers’ secondary sas missed some big tackles in recent games, which can’t happen against Dallas — especially because, in addition to Elliott, the Cowboys have dangerous wide receivers and tight ends. Tight end Jason Witten, who is 6’6″, has been held to only two touchdowns this season, but against a short secondary he could add more.
The Steelers’ defensive game plan has to be very smart and carefully calculated. Defensive coordinator Keith Butler is sure to have one of his toughest games yet this season, and Steeler Nation is hungry for a win after losses to the Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens.
Prescott and Elliot, beware.
The Steelers and Cowboys will kick off at 4:25 p.m. EST on Sunday, Nov. 13.
Image credit: Joe Sargent/Getty Images
