Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott has faced 29 NFL teams multiple times throughout his career. The only teams he hasn’t squared off against yet are the Cincinnati Bengals and the Pittsburgh Steelers, along with his own team. Prescott will have an opportunity to take on the Bengals later this season, but his immediate challenge comes this Sunday night against the Steelers.
Prescott missed the most recent matchup between the two teams in 2020 due to a season-ending injury. However, his first encounter with the Steelers remains a significant part of his career story, marking a pivotal moment in his rookie season.
In 2016, the Cowboys triumphed over the Steelers with a thrilling 35-30 victory, a game that has become memorable in NFL history. Much has changed since that season; nearly all the players and coaches involved have moved on. Still, Prescott is one of the few constants linking the two matchups. During that 2016 game, he faced off against two-time Super Bowl champion Ben Roethlisberger and emerged victorious, showcasing early signs of his potential to become an elite quarterback.
Now, as he returns to what is now known as Acrisure Stadium, Prescott is leading a team that shares a similar desperation for a return to Super Bowl glory. However, the circumstances have shifted dramatically for Prescott and the Cowboys. With the likely absence of two key defensive players, Dallas is grappling with a challenging start to the season, leading to doubts about their postseason chances. The Cowboys’ offensive performance has been lackluster, raising concerns about their run game and ability to score points as each week passes.
On Sunday, they will face a Steelers defense that is formidable in both run and pass coverage, adding to the challenge. While this matchup may not feature the same level of offensive excitement as their 2016 encounter, it presents a crucial opportunity for the Cowboys to ignite their offense and regain momentum.