Here are the keys to the game for the Cowboys according to the Sporting News.
1. Win first down: Let's be clear, the Cowboys have no chance to beat Pittsburgh unless they win first down, otherwise the Steelers -- ranked No.1 in run, pass and total defense -- and defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau will be able to dictate the game's tempo. The Steelers lead the NFL in first-down defense, allowing just 3.97 yards. That means their opponents are usually facing second-and-long, which allows the LeBeau to weave his blitz magic. James Harrison (14) and LaMarr Woodley (12) have combined for 26 sacks, in part, because Pittsburgh's defense consistently gets teams in long yardage situations on second and third down because they dominate first down.Game Prediction: Cowboys 21, Steelers 202. Generate big plays: The Cowboys have one of the league's best big-play offenses, and it has returned now that Romo is back in the lineup and the broken pinkie that forced him to miss three games is feeling better. The Cowboys had nine plays of more than 10 yards in the first quarter last week against Seattle and 13, not including a 21-yard pass interference penalty, in the first half. Romo had completions of more than 30 yards to Owens, Jason Witten and Roy Williams that set up points. Pittsburgh has yielded only 15 pass plays of more than 20 yards this season, which ranks first in the league. Something has to give.
3. Sack Roethlisberger: For a big, mobile quarterback, Roethlisberger has been sacked 33 times this season, which seems like a lot for a guy who should be able to elude pressure. You can blame some of that on an injured offensive line that can't protect him the way it has in the past. The Steelers' defense isn't going to give up too many points, which means it's up to the Cowboys' defense to keep the score close. Dallas has 18 sacks in the past four games, including seven last week against Seattle. Keeping Roethlisberger hemmed up is the best way for Dallas to win the game.
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