Cowboys countdown to kickoff: Top 100 iconic games – Day 28

It is Day 28 of our 100-day countdown to kickoff. We are looking back at the 100 most iconic games in Dallas Cowboys history. The countdown will leads us right up to the opening game of 2026. Our look back doesn’t depend on just one criteria for our rankings. We take into consideration things like how big the game was for the organization, how memorable the game was, games that had unusual events take place, games that are a part of NFL lore, Cowboys firsts, and games where the Cowboys just plain dominated. Variety is the spice of life and we have all different kind of Cowboys games to review. At the bottom, we’ll link each day of the countdown so you can go back and check out any you missed.

It’s Day 28 of our 100-day countdown to kickoff, when we revisit one of the defining victories of the Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott era. In a game filled with momentum swings, clutch plays and late drama, the Cowboys went into one of the NFL’s toughest environments and outlasted the Steelers. 

Sunday, November 13, 2016

Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Final Score: Dallas Cowboys 35, Pittsburgh Steelers 30

Dallas entered the matchup riding a seven-game winning streak, but many questioned whether the rookie-led offense could handle a road game against Ben Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell. Those doubts quickly disappeared. Prescott played with remarkable poise, while Elliott consistently found room behind one of the league’s best offensive lines.

The game remained close throughout the afternoon. Dallas built an early lead before Pittsburgh answered with a series of big plays. Brown made several spectacular catches, Bell found success both as a runner and receiver, and Roethlisberger threw for over 400 yards to keep the Steelers within striking distance.

Every time Pittsburgh threatened to take control, Prescott had an answer. He threw touchdown passes to Dez Bryant and Jason Witten while extending drives with timely scrambles. Elliott added two rushing touchdowns, and the Cowboys continued to answer every Steelers score in what quickly became one of the NFL’s best games of the season.

The drama reached another level in the final two minutes. Roethlisberger connected with Brown for a 15-yard touchdown with just 42 seconds remaining, giving Pittsburgh a 30-29 lead. Heinz Field erupted, and it appeared Dallas’ winning streak was about to come to an end.

Prescott calmly took over. On the very next drive, he found Witten for a huge gain before Elliott burst through the middle, made one decisive cut and raced 32 yards for the game-winning touchdown with only nine seconds remaining. The rookie running back crossed the goal line untouched, silencing the Pittsburgh crowd and completing one of the most memorable finishes of the decade.

Prescott finished with 319 passing yards, two touchdowns and added a rushing score, continuing one of the greatest rookie quarterback seasons in NFL history. Elliott rushed for 114 yards and two touchdowns, including the unforgettable game winner, while Bryant caught six passes for 116 yards and a touchdown.

This game belongs on the countdown because it perfectly captured what made the 2016 Cowboys special. Prescott never looked rattled in a hostile environment, Elliott consistently delivered in the biggest moments and Dallas repeatedly answered every challenge. Against one of the AFC’s elite teams, the Cowboys showed they could win a heavyweight fight, and the victory became the defining moment of their 13-3 season.

Interesting Facts About the Game

This remains one of a limited number of NFL games where both teams scored go-ahead touchdowns in the final minute, with Dallas ultimately having the last answer.

Countdown to kickoff 

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