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NFL · Week 6 · October 17, 2004 · 12 min read

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Dallas Cowboys: 2004 Week 6 Recap

Steelers defeat Cowboys 24–20 in Week 6

B.Roethlisberger led Fantasy Impact as Steelers prevailed in a 24–20 Week 6 finish.

Pittsburgh Steelers 24 5–1 Winner
Final 24–20
Dallas Cowboys 20 2–3
Winner
Pittsburgh Steelers
Final score
24–20
Halftime
Tied 10–10 at halftime
Top passer
V. Testaverde
FantasyHQ MVP
B.Roethlisberger
Game date
October 17, 2004

Top fantasy performers · Steelers

  • B.Roethlisberger 21/29 · 172 YDS · 2 TD +11.6 Fantasy Impact
  • P.Burress 3 REC · 48 YDS · 1 TD +7.0 Fantasy Impact
  • H.Ward 9 REC · 76 YDS +5.5 Fantasy Impact

Top fantasy performers · Cowboys

  • T.Glenn 7 REC · 120 YDS +9.3 Fantasy Impact
  • Kisean Johnson
    Kisean Johnson 6 REC · 61 YDS · 1 TD +5.6 Fantasy Impact
  • Ryder Anderson
    Ryder Anderson 6 CAR · 54 YDS · 1 TD +4.9 Fantasy Impact
View Steelers vs Cowboys box score View all 2004 NFL game recaps

Quick answer

Winner
Pittsburgh Steelers
Final score
Pittsburgh Steelers 24–20 Dallas Cowboys
Halftime
Tied 10–10 at halftime
FantasyHQ MVP
B. Roethlisberger
Top passer
V. Testaverde
Biggest EPA play
(7:29) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass to 80-P.Burress to DAL 28 for 32 yards (41-T.Newm…
Game date
2004-10-17

Game summary

The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Dallas Cowboys 24–20 on 2004-10-17. B. Roethlisberger posted a game-high +11.58 total EPA in the passing.

The highest-scoring period was Q1 with 14 combined points.

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Q1Q2Q3Q4—T
Pittsburgh Steelers73014024
Dallas Cowboys73100020

Scoring Map

Each pin marks where a score occurred on the field — yard line from play-by-play.

PITPittsburgh Steelers
DALDallas Cowboys

FantasyHQ Analytics

Scoring timeline

13 scores

Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.

  1. DALDallas Cowboys
    Q1 9:15TD
    Ryder Anderson

    Points+6

    Yard line
    PIT 21
    Score
    0-6

    (9:15) 20-R.Anderson right tackle for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  2. DALDallas Cowboys
    Q1 9:14XP
    BCB. Cundiff

    Points+1

    Yard line
    PIT 2
    Score
    0-7

    3-B.Cundiff extra point is GOOD, Center-85-J.Robinson, Holder-9-T.Romo.

  3. PITPittsburgh Steelers
    Q1 5:32TD
    PBP. Burress

    Points+6

    Yard line
    DAL 5
    Score
    6-7

    (5:32) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass to 80-P.Burress for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  4. PITPittsburgh Steelers
    Q1 5:22XP
    Joe Reed

    Points+1

    Yard line
    DAL 2
    Score
    7-7

    3-J.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-17-C.Gardocki.

  5. PITPittsburgh Steelers
    Q2 4:57FG
    Joe Reed

    Points+3

    Yard line
    DAL 33
    Score
    10-7

    (4:57) 3-J.Reed 51 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-17-C.Gardocki.

  6. DALDallas Cowboys
    Q2 0:20FG
    BCB. Cundiff

    Points+3

    Yard line
    PIT 28
    Score
    10-10

    (:20) 3-B.Cundiff 47 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-85-J.Robinson, Holder-9-T.Romo.

  7. DALDallas Cowboys
    Q3 5:39FG
    BCB. Cundiff

    Points+3

    Yard line
    PIT 20
    Score
    10-13

    (5:39) 3-B.Cundiff 39 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-85-J.Robinson, Holder-9-T.Romo.

  8. DALDallas Cowboys
    Q3 3:03TD
    Kisean Johnson

    Points+6

    Yard line
    PIT 22
    Score
    10-19

    (3:03) 16-V.Testaverde pass to 19-K.Johnson for 22 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on PIT-27-W.Williams, Illegal Contact, declined. pass complete on slant over the middle

  9. DALDallas Cowboys
    Q3 2:57XP
    BCB. Cundiff

    Points+1

    Yard line
    PIT 2
    Score
    10-20

    3-B.Cundiff extra point is GOOD, Center-85-J.Robinson, Holder-9-T.Romo.

  10. PITPittsburgh Steelers
    Q4 11:54TD
    JTJ. Tuman

    Points+6

    Yard line
    DAL 7
    Score
    16-20

    (11:54) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass to 84-J.Tuman for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass caught 8 yards deep middle of the end zone.

  11. PITPittsburgh Steelers
    Q4 11:48XP
    Joe Reed

    Points+1

    Yard line
    DAL 2
    Score
    17-20

    3-J.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-17-C.Gardocki.

  12. PITPittsburgh Steelers
    Q4 0:34TD
    JBJ. Bettis

    Points+6

    Yard line
    DAL 2
    Score
    23-20

    (:34) 36-J.Bettis left end for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  13. PITPittsburgh Steelers
    Q4 0:30XP
    Joe Reed

    Points+1

    Yard line
    DAL 2
    Score
    24-20

    3-J.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-17-C.Gardocki.

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).

  1. 1B. Roethlisberger · Pittsburgh Steelers · Passing · +11.58 total EPA · 29 snaps · +0.40 EPA/play
  2. 2T. Glenn · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +9.28 total EPA · 7 snaps · +1.33 EPA/play
  3. 3P. Burress · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +6.96 total EPA · 3 snaps · +2.32 EPA/play
  4. 4Kisean JohnsonKisean Johnson · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +5.63 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.94 EPA/play
  5. 5H. Ward · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +5.48 total EPA · 9 snaps · +0.61 EPA/play
  6. 6Ryder AndersonRyder Anderson · Dallas Cowboys · Rushing · +4.88 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.81 EPA/play
  7. 7J. Tuman · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +2.49 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.62 EPA/play
  8. 8Austin BryantAustin Bryant · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +1.62 total EPA · 1 snaps · +1.62 EPA/play

FantasyHQ Game MVP

Highest total EPA with the player's top snap and the game's biggest single play when different.

FantasyHQ Game MVP

B. Roethlisberger — PIT · Passing

B. Roethlisberger posted the highest total EPA (+11.58) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Pittsburgh Steelers. Across 29 counted snaps, they averaged +0.40 EPA per play.

B. Roethlisberger's top snap (+3.83 EPA): (7:29) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass to 80-P.Burress to DAL 28 for 32 yards (41-T.Newman). PENALTY on DAL-41-T.Newman, Face Mask (5 Yards), 5 yards, enforced at DAL 28. Middle post.

Quarterback report card

V. Testaverde led all passers in efficiency for Dallas Cowboys, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

  • V. Testaverde (Dallas Cowboys) · 40 dropbacks · 57.5% completion · +0.02 EPA/play · +0.84 total EPA
  • B. Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers) · 29 dropbacks · 72.4% completion · +0.40 EPA/play · +11.58 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.

StatPittsburgh SteelersDallas Cowboys
Offensive EPA/play+0.188+0.096
Offensive success rate51.9%50.6%
Pass EPA/play+0.415+0.021
Rush EPA/play-0.057+0.081
Defensive EPA/play-0.096-0.188
Defensive success rate49.4%48.1%

Drive & efficiency notes

Despite the final score, Pittsburgh Steelers generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.19 vs +0.10), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.

Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):

  • Pittsburgh Steelers: +0.19 EPA/play (87th percentile vs. 2004 team-game averages)
  • Dallas Cowboys: +0.10 EPA/play (71st percentile vs. 2004 team-game averages)
  • Dallas Cowboys: 10 drives, +7.61 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
  • Pittsburgh Steelers: 10 drives, +14.45 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals

Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.

Touchdowns

  • Ryder AndersonDallas Cowboys — Ryder Anderson (Q1 9:15)
  • Pittsburgh Steelers — P. Burress (B. Roethlisberger pass) (Q1 5:32)
  • Kisean JohnsonDallas Cowboys — Kisean Johnson (V. Testaverde pass) (Q3 3:03)
  • Pittsburgh Steelers — J. Tuman (B. Roethlisberger pass) (Q4 11:54)
  • Pittsburgh Steelers — J. Bettis (Q4 0:34)

Field goals

  • Joe ReedPittsburgh Steelers — Joe Reed (Q2 4:57)
  • Dallas Cowboys — B. Cundiff (Q2 0:20)
  • Dallas Cowboys — B. Cundiff (Q3 5:39)
Quarter by quarter

Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.

The opening quarter: The quarter finished even at 7–7. Dallas Cowboys found the end zone from the PIT 21 (Q1 9:15) — (9:15) 20-R.Anderson right tackle for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Dallas Cowboys added 1 points from the PIT 2 (Q1 9:14) — 3-B.Cundiff extra point is GOOD, Center-85-J.Robinson, Holder-9-T.Romo.; Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the DAL 5 (Q1 5:32) — (5:32) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass to 80-P.Burress for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the DAL 2 (Q1 5:22) — 3-J.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-17-C.Gardocki..

The second quarter: The quarter finished even at 3–3. Pittsburgh Steelers connected on a field goal from the DAL 33 (Q2 4:57) — (4:57) 3-J.Reed 51 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-17-C.Gardocki.; Dallas Cowboys connected on a field goal from the PIT 28 (Q2 0:20) — (:20) 3-B.Cundiff 47 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-85-J.Robinson, Holder-9-T.Romo..

The third quarter: Dallas Cowboys won the period 10–0. Dallas Cowboys connected on a field goal from the PIT 20 (Q3 5:39) — (5:39) 3-B.Cundiff 39 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-85-J.Robinson, Holder-9-T.Romo.; Dallas Cowboys found the end zone from the PIT 22 (Q3 3:03); Dallas Cowboys added 1 points from the PIT 2 (Q3 2:57) — 3-B.Cundiff extra point is GOOD, Center-85-J.Robinson, Holder-9-T.Romo..

The fourth quarter: Pittsburgh Steelers won the period 14–0. Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the DAL 7 (Q4 11:54) — (11:54) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass to 84-J.Tuman for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass caught 8 yards deep middle of the end zone.; Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the DAL 2 (Q4 11:48) — 3-J.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-17-C.Gardocki.; Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the DAL 2 (Q4 0:34) — (:34) 36-J.Bettis left end for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the DAL 2 (Q4 0:30) — 3-J.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-17-C.Gardocki..

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most.

  • Dallas Cowboys (Q4 2:36) — (2:36) 16-V.Testaverde sacked at DAL 45 for -8 yards (51-J.Farrior). FUMBLES (51-J.Farrior), RECOVERED by PIT-67-K.Von Oelhoffen at DAL 45. 67-K.Von Oelhoffen to DAL 24 for 21 yards (20-R.Anderson). P [WPA -32.2% · EPA -3.59]
  • Dallas Cowboys (Q4 0:01) — (:01) (Shotgun) 16-V.Testaverde pass incomplete to 19-K.Johnson (33-R.Stuvaints). pass broken up by Stuvaints in endzone, left side [WPA -25.5% · EPA -0.93]
  • Pittsburgh Steelers (Q4 0:34) — (:34) 36-J.Bettis left end for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +19.9% · EPA +2.02]
  • Dallas Cowboys (Q4 0:09) — (:09) 16-V.Testaverde pass to 20-R.Anderson to PIT 50 for 10 yards. Lateral to 83-T.Glenn to PIT 30 for 20 yards (27-W.Williams). [WPA +12.6% · EPA +0.79]
  • Dallas Cowboys (Q3 7:56) — (7:56) 16-V.Testaverde pass to 83-T.Glenn to PIT 32 for 20 yards (28-C.Hope). Pass complete on middle slant. [WPA +12.3% · EPA +2.93]
Impact plays

Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.

  • Pittsburgh Steelers (Q1 7:29) — (7:29) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass to 80-P.Burress to DAL 28 for 32 yards (41-T.Newman). PENALTY on DAL-41-T.Newman, Face Mask (5 Yards), 5 yards, enforced at DAL 28. Middle post. [WPA +8.0% · EPA +3.83]
  • Dallas Cowboys (Q4 2:36) — (2:36) 16-V.Testaverde sacked at DAL 45 for -8 yards (51-J.Farrior). FUMBLES (51-J.Farrior), RECOVERED by PIT-67-K.Von Oelhoffen at DAL 45. 67-K.Von Oelhoffen to DAL 24 for 21 yards (20-R.Anderson). P [WPA -32.2% · EPA -3.59]
  • Dallas Cowboys (Q1 9:15) — (9:15) 20-R.Anderson right tackle for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +6.7% · EPA +3.41]
  • Dallas Cowboys (Q3 3:03) — (3:03) 16-V.Testaverde pass to 19-K.Johnson for 22 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on PIT-27-W.Williams, Illegal Contact, declined. pass complete on slant over the middle [WPA +8.6% · EPA +3.30]
Every scoring play

Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.

  1. Dallas Cowboys TD (+6) — Q1 9:15 · PIT 21 · Score 0-6
    (9:15) 20-R.Anderson right tackle for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  2. Dallas Cowboys XP (+1) — Q1 9:14 · PIT 2 · Score 0-7
    3-B.Cundiff extra point is GOOD, Center-85-J.Robinson, Holder-9-T.Romo.
  3. Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q1 5:32 · DAL 5 · Score 6-7
    (5:32) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass to 80-P.Burress for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  4. Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q1 5:22 · DAL 2 · Score 7-7
    3-J.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-17-C.Gardocki.
  5. Pittsburgh Steelers FG (+3) — Q2 4:57 · DAL 33 · Score 10-7
    (4:57) 3-J.Reed 51 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-17-C.Gardocki.
  6. Dallas Cowboys FG (+3) — Q2 0:20 · PIT 28 · Score 10-10
    (:20) 3-B.Cundiff 47 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-85-J.Robinson, Holder-9-T.Romo.
  7. Dallas Cowboys FG (+3) — Q3 5:39 · PIT 20 · Score 10-13
    (5:39) 3-B.Cundiff 39 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-85-J.Robinson, Holder-9-T.Romo.
  8. Dallas Cowboys TD (+6) — Q3 3:03 · PIT 22 · Score 10-19
    (3:03) 16-V.Testaverde pass to 19-K.Johnson for 22 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on PIT-27-W.Williams, Illegal Contact, declined. pass complete on slant over the middle
  9. Dallas Cowboys XP (+1) — Q3 2:57 · PIT 2 · Score 10-20
    3-B.Cundiff extra point is GOOD, Center-85-J.Robinson, Holder-9-T.Romo.
  10. Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q4 11:54 · DAL 7 · Score 16-20
    (11:54) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass to 84-J.Tuman for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass caught 8 yards deep middle of the end zone.
  11. Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q4 11:48 · DAL 2 · Score 17-20
    3-J.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-17-C.Gardocki.
  12. Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q4 0:34 · DAL 2 · Score 23-20
    (:34) 36-J.Bettis left end for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  13. Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q4 0:30 · DAL 2 · Score 24-20
    3-J.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-17-C.Gardocki.

Key takeaways

What to remember for fantasy research and follow-up box score digging.

  • Pittsburgh Steelers earned the result — use the box score for snap-level context.
  • One-score margin — verify garbage-time stats before drawing fantasy conclusions.
  • B. Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.

Frequently asked questions

Who won Pittsburgh Steelers vs Dallas Cowboys on 2004-10-17?

The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Dallas Cowboys 24-20 in Week 6, 2004.

What was the score by quarter in Pittsburgh Steelers vs Dallas Cowboys?

Q1: Pittsburgh Steelers 7, Dallas Cowboys 7; Q2: Pittsburgh Steelers 3, Dallas Cowboys 3; Q3: Pittsburgh Steelers 0, Dallas Cowboys 10; Q4: Pittsburgh Steelers 14, Dallas Cowboys 0; Final: Pittsburgh Steelers 24, Dallas Cowboys 20.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Pittsburgh Steelers vs Dallas Cowboys?

Dallas Cowboys touchdown — R. Anderson (Q1 9:15) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — P. Burress (B. Roethlisberger pass) (Q1 5:32) Dallas Cowboys touchdown — K. Johnson (V. Testaverde pass) (Q3 3:03) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — J. Tuman (B. Roethlisberger pass) (Q4 11:54) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — J. Bettis (Q4 0:34) Pittsburgh Steelers field goal — J. Reed (Q2 4:57, 3 pts) Dallas Cowboys field goal — B. Cundiff (Q2 0:20, 3 pts) Dallas Cowboys field goal — B. Cundiff (Q3 5:39, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.

How did the quarterbacks play in Pittsburgh Steelers vs Dallas Cowboys?

V. Testaverde (Dallas Cowboys), 57.5% completion, +0.02 EPA per dropback, +0.84 total passing EPA. B. Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers), 72.4% completion, +0.40 EPA per dropback, +11.58 total passing EPA.

Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Pittsburgh Steelers vs Dallas Cowboys?

B. Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +11.58 total EPA on Passing plays. across 29 snaps. Their top snap (+3.83 EPA): (7:29) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass to 80-P.Burress to DAL 28 for 32 yards (41-T.Newman). PENALTY on DAL-41-T.Newman, Face Mask (5 Yards), 5 yards, enforced at DAL 28. Middle .

Was Pittsburgh Steelers vs Dallas Cowboys a close game?

Yes — the margin was 4 points. Pittsburgh Steelers won 24-20 in a game that stayed within one score into the fourth quarter.

Season records after this game

Pittsburgh Steelers

Entered 4-1 Now 5-1 W

Dallas Cowboys

Entered 2-2 Now 2-3 L

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