In a Week 5 showdown of the NFL season, the Dallas Cowboys emerged victorious with a nail-biting 20-17 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Despite missing key players like Brandin Cooks, Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence, DaRon Bland, and Caelen Carson due to injuries, the Cowboys delivered a strong performance. The adversity they faced — marked by the mid-game departure of Marshawn Kneeland and Tyler Guyton to knee injuries — only served to underscore their depth and resilience.
The absence of Micah Parsons was particularly noteworthy, as it marked the first time in his career that he missed a game. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones expressed satisfaction with his team's depth. “It [the win] shows me that our guys do step up. The more of your depth that can play, that is a positive.” His confidence in the squad’s ability to compensate for the missing players was evident.
Defensive woes were compounded when Marshawn Kneeland required a procedure for a meniscus issue, and Tyler Guyton's knee was still undergoing evaluations as of Monday. Despite these setbacks, the defensive front was tenacious. Chauncey Golston, Tyrus Wheat, and Carl Lawson showcased their grit by collectively posting ten tackles, 1.5 sacks, and four quarterback pressures. Their performance was emblematic of a unit working to fill the formidable void left by Parsons and others.
The Cowboys also saw K.J. Henry acquired from the Cincinnati Bengals' practice squad, though he remained inactive during the game. The coaching staff has shown faith in other players stepping into new roles, demonstrating their strategy of utilizing practice squad members capable of stepping up, as noted by Jerry Jones: “Yes, let's be aggressive. We've got guys on the practice squad that can step up there and make those plays in volume.”
In the offensive line, Tyler Smith’s ability to adapt was a vital asset. With the potential for playing at left tackle, Smith impressed head coach Mike McCarthy with his readiness and performance. “Can’t give enough respect for Tyler Smith to just jump out there and play the way he did,” McCarthy said, highlighting the player’s versatility and readiness when called upon.
Though Micah Parsons’ presence was missed, his return seems imminent. “Well, he's close,” Jerry Jones commented on Parsons’ recovery, hinting at his readiness for upcoming matches. Similarly, McCarthy mentioned, “Caelen, he's close. He was close this [past] week,” indicating the hopeful return of another critical player.
Beyond the injuries and depth chart adjustments, Amani Oruwariye made a notable contribution in Week 4 with a crucial interception, earning praise from Mike Zimmer. “He was on top of the routes a lot better this week,” Zimmer said, reflecting on Oruwariye's improving performance and understanding of the game flow.
The Cowboys’ ability to secure a win despite numerous challenges speaks volumes about their operational resilience. They remain a formidable team bolstered by depth and strategic adaptability. As the season progresses, the team’s ability to integrate reserve players into crucial roles and maintain competitive performance will be pivotal in keeping their momentum alive.