Strong second half by JuJu Smith-Schuster helps Steelers come back against Cowboys
ARLINGTON, Texas — When the Pittsburgh Steelers needed to make a second-half comeback for the second week in a row, Ben Roethlisberger went to his first option at wide receiver.
And for the second time in as many games, JuJu Smith-Schuster didn’t disappoint.
Smith-Schuster’s 31-yard touchdown reception on the first play of the fourth quarter helped the Steelers come back from a 10-point deficit and beat the Dallas Cowboys, 24-19, at AT&T Stadium.
Held to two catches for 13 yards in the first half, Smith-Schuster had four receptions for 80 yards on the scoring drive that enabled the Steelers to pull within 19-15.
He finished with six catches for 93 yards and a score.
“He’s a playmaker,” Roethlisberger said. “He’s a guy I trust. He’s a guy I know is going to make plays when I put it in his area. He showed that again today. He battles. He’s a competitor.”
Smith-Schuster was Roethlisberger’s go-to target in the second half of the Steelers’ 28-24 victory at Baltimore in Week 8. Shut out for the first half, Smith-Schuster had seven catches for 67 yards to help the Steelers come back from a 17-7 halftime deficit.
“I do embrace moments like that,” Smith-Schuster said.
Joe Rutter is a TribLive reporter who has covered the Pittsburgh Steelers since the 2016 season. A graduate of Greensburg Salem High School and Point Park, he is in his fifth decade covering sports for the Trib. He can be reached at jrutter@triblive.com.
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