Dak Prescott’s Last-Second Heroics Lift Cowboys to Thrilling Win Over Steelers
As lightning storms delayed the start of Sunday night’s game between the Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium, Dak Prescott made sure to rally his team. “We’re going to remember this one, regardless of how long it takes,” Prescott said. While waiting, he kept himself loose with stretches and drills, all while preparing mentally for a game he wouldn’t forget—and one he wanted to make unforgettable for his teammates, too. In the end, Prescott delivered, leading the Cowboys to a thrilling 20-17 victory, with a game-winning touchdown pass to Jalen Tolbert with just 20 seconds left.
Prescott’s heroics helped the Cowboys secure their third road win of the season, improving their record to 3-2 and keeping them competitive in the NFC East. This victory was especially meaningful for head coach Mike McCarthy, who finally secured a regular-season win against his hometown Steelers—a team he had faced multiple times but never beaten before. Despite McCarthy’s Super Bowl XLV win over Pittsburgh with the Packers, the Steelers remained the only team he had played multiple times without a win.
McCarthy, who was born and raised in Pittsburgh, felt a special sense of accomplishment, but he quickly deflected praise to his players. “This is about the players, always has been,” he said. Still, his team made sure to honor him after the win, presenting him with his first career game ball, a special moment for the veteran coach.
Prescott’s leadership shone, but it wasn’t a perfect night for the Cowboys. The star quarterback turned the ball over three times—twice on interceptions and once on a fumble, both costly mistakes in the red zone. The Cowboys also had a field goal blocked and were penalized 11 times for 87 yards. Despite the errors, when the game was on the line, Prescott delivered, leading his 23rd career game-winning drive in the fourth quarter or overtime.
With just under five minutes remaining, Prescott calmly led the offense down the field. He completed 5 of 7 passes for 46 yards, ran for 3 yards, and even recovered a crucial fumble at the 4-yard line. McCarthy made a late personnel change to give Prescott extra protection, and it paid off. Tolbert, filling in for the injured Brandin Cooks, caught the winning touchdown pass with 20 seconds left.
“Composure is one of Dak’s biggest strengths,” McCarthy said of his quarterback, praising Prescott’s ability to shake off mistakes and focus on the next play. “He doesn’t blink, doesn’t dwell on mistakes.”
The Cowboys overcame adversity throughout the game, playing without key starters like Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence, and Brandin Cooks, who were all sidelined due to injuries. To make matters worse, the team lost left tackle Tyler Guyton and defensive end Marshawn Kneeland to knee injuries during the game, forcing multiple players into unfamiliar roles. Despite the challenges, the Cowboys’ resilience shone through.
Prescott, while reflecting on his turnovers, was proud of how the team responded when it mattered most. “You’re frustrated with the mistakes, but when you’ve got the ball and a chance to win, that’s all you can ask for,” he said.
On defense, the Cowboys showed grit as well, with linebackers preparing to step in as defensive ends and cornerbacks from the practice squad filling critical roles. In the end, McCarthy was proud of his team’s determination. “The resiliency of this football team was on display tonight,” he said.
The win not only gave the Cowboys momentum but also put them in a solid position in the NFC East, trailing only the Washington Commanders. For Prescott and McCarthy, it was a game to remember—a hard-fought victory that highlighted the team’s resilience and ability to overcome obstacles.