Steelers report card: Pittsburgh shows regression in Week 5 vs. Cowboys

When fans thought the Steelers were on the right path, they quickly tore down their hopes and dreams of relevancy. Overall, it was an ugly situation against the Cowboys. The Steelers were coming off a bad loss against the Colts, and the weather delay set an ominous tone. Pittsburgh was struck by the Cowboys at the end of the game, which made the home team take a bitter pill.

Even though there are plenty of issues surrounding the Steelers after two tough losses in a row, there is still hope. Not everything is bad, but there are plenty of problems that are becoming a trend. The black and gold have to turn things around or losing close games like they did against Dallas will continue to become an issue. It was an ugly game overall, but some stood out more than others.

Steelers offense report card grade: D-

Yikes! The offense started to give Steeler’s fans Matt Canada memories against the Cowboys. They were playing a battered defense, and they failed to move the ball effectively for most of the game. Justin Fields was okay, but he needs to start to worry about Russell Wilson taking the starting job from him. Fields has been limited in the offense thus far, but he hasn’t done himself many favors either.

Najee Harris remains out of place in the Steelers offense. He doesn’t fit what they need. Every option in the passing game was laughable. They can’t find ways to get open. It was another poor game for the Steelers offensive line. It is a young group with little experience, but this was a prime opportunity for them to impose their will. It was a terrible game by the offense, and they let the defense down.

Steelers defense report card grade: B

Everyone wants to blame this loss on the defense, but they are the only reason Pittsburgh was in this game until the very end. They were able to cause plenty of turnovers and set their offense up for success. Sadly, the Steelers’ offense sat on their hands and played a putrid brand of football. Add in the fact that the black and gold also slowed Dallas down, and it only makes matters worse.

It is only a matter of time until a duo of Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb get production moving. They were able to finally move down the field on Pittsburgh’s defense late in the game.

It was a tough end of the contest for the defense, but this isn’t their fault when it comes to losing. The Steelers’ offense can’t rely on the defense to hold an opponent below 17 points each week.

Steelers special teams report card grade: B

Not a ton of special teams to note for the Steelers in this game. Chris Boswell remained consistent with his performance this season by sinking a 41-yard field goal. He also tallied both of his extra-point attempts. Christian Kuntz was fine as the long snapper. Nothing to note when it comes to punt or kick returns for Pittsburgh. They got some chances, but nothing materialized.

Corliss Waitman is starting to slow down after a hot start as the Steelers punter. That trend is starting to become a concern. The highlight of the afternoon on special teams was their field goal block. It gave the Steelers another shot at scoring in this game. Sadly, Pittsburgh’s offense remained rather dull and couldn’t capitalize on much of the turnovers or change of possessions that were sent their way.