The Dallas Cowboys have once again demonstrated their resilience and depth, clinching a narrow 20-17 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 5. Despite the absence of key players due to injuries, the Cowboys managed to field a squad that showcased their depth, a factor praised by team owner Jerry Jones. "The more of your depth that can play, that is a positive," Jones stated, reflecting on the team's performance under challenging circumstances.
Heading into the game, the Cowboys faced a considerable challenge with notable absentees such as Brandin Cooks, Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence, DaRon Bland, and Caelen Carson. They were also dealt additional blows during the match as Marshawn Kneeland and Tyler Guyton exited due to injuries. Kneeland, in fact, is scheduled for a medical procedure for a knee injury and is expected to make a return later in the regular season.
Defense Steps Up Amidst Challenges
With the lineup remarkably thin in some areas, players like Chauncey Golston, Tyrus Wheat, and Carl Lawson stepped up admirably. The trio combined for 10 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and four quarterback pressures, consistently applying pressure on Pittsburgh's offense. Head coach Mike McCarthy highlighted the importance of depth in such situations, particularly praising the efforts on the offensive line where Tyler Smith filled in at left tackle for the injured Tyler Guyton. "Can't give enough respect for Tyler Smith to just jump out there and play the way he did. Their edge pieces, that's probably the best part of their team," McCarthy mentioned.
The defensive setup, though missing critical cogs like DaRon Bland, held back the Steelers when it mattered most. Bland is expected to be sidelined for six to eight weeks due to a stress fracture in his foot. However, there’s optimism in the air. Stephen Jones, Cowboys' Executive Vice President, indicated that Bland might return sooner rather than later, stating, "I think DaRon Bland has a real chance... Short of a real setback, DaRon should be ready to dress and help us on the defensive side of the ball and the secondary."
New Faces Making an Impact
In light of the injuries, the Cowboys turned to the Cincinnati Bengals' practice squad where they signed K.J. Henry, adding a fresh face to the team. Meanwhile, Amani Oruwariye, showing his clutch gene, stepped in for Caelen Carson and made a game-sealing interception against the New York Giants in Week 4, proving that the Cowboys' strategy of cultivating depth is paying dividends.
A Glimpse of the Road Ahead
Looking forward, the Cowboys are set to face the Detroit Lions. The coaching staff will likely continue to evaluate the fitness and readiness of key players, as highlighted by McCarthy's update on Monday treatments: "He was in [Monday] for treatment, so I'll probably have a better gauge of that Wednesday."
The victory over the Steelers underscores a vital team character trait—resilience. Jerry Jones aptly summarized the essence of the win: "It shows me that our guys do step up. You have to have that. If you're going to have a winning team over the course of a year with the injury attrition you can have, you got to have young players step up." As the Cowboys forge ahead in the season, the development and utilization of this depth will continue to be a storyline worth watching.