CANTON, Ohio - "It was no Mozart."
That's how the Hall-of-Fame Coach, Bill Cowher, might have summed up Steelers 16, Cowboys 3.
Cowher wasn't awarded a bronze bust for his mastery of the malaprop, mixed metaphor and other "circumcisions" of linguistics (although if such things were handed out, Cowher would have had one long ago).
But his point would have been made (as it was after many Steelers games over the years) late Thursday night.
It wasn't a Picasso (no matter what it sounded like).
Fortunately, much of what Mike Tomlin was hoping for from his team in the first of its scheduled four exhibitions involved coloring inside the lines.
The Steelers had modest goals and they achieved them.
On to Philadelphia.
The win was a bonus, especially since it played out in front of Cowher, Alan Faneca, Donnie Shell and a bunch of other Gold Jackets.
"Our conditioning held up, and that's a good thing to see," Tomlin explained. "You're never really sure how that's gonna come together in terms of all three phases, offense, defense and special teams.
"I liked our in-game awareness in terms of guys moving from one unit to another. I think largely we had 11 guys on the field, and that sounds funny but first time out, particularly as you get into the second half of things it gets challenging.
"I thought the guys did a really good job of putting their conditioning on display and I thought they did a really good job of just staying in tune to the game and being where it is they're supposed to be and being engaged in that way."
It does sound funny.
But it's also important first-game stuff upon which more important stuff can be built down the road.
Game action photos from the Hall of Fame game vs. the Dallas Cowboys at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, OH
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Cassius Marsh (49) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool (11) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers center Kendrick Green (53) and Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers center Kendrick Green (53) and Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Rashaad Coward (79) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back James Pierre (42) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Tre Norwood (21) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Cassius Marsh (49) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defense during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Cassius Marsh (49) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Miles Killebrew (28) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Mark Gilbert (17) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Rashaad Coward (79), Pittsburgh Steelers center Kendrick Green (53) and Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Dan Moore Jr. (65) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers huddle during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers huddle during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Joe Haeg (71) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Dan Moore Jr. (65) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Fans during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Fans during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Isaiah Buggs (96) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Cassius Marsh (49) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back James Pierre (42) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Antoine Brooks Jr. (25) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Antoine Brooks Jr. (25) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Justin Layne (31) , Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jamir Jones (44), Pittsburgh Steelers nose tackle Chris Wormley (95) and Pittsburgh Steelers safety Miles Killebrew (28) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Sam Sloman (16) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Cassius Marsh (49) and Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Justin Layne (31) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Dan Moore Jr. (65) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Miles Killebrew (28) and Pittsburgh Steelers safety Antoine Brooks Jr. (25) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Cassius Marsh (49) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Tre Norwood (21) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) and Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers center Kendrick Green (53) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) and Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Dwayne Haskins (3) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelersduring a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Miles Killebrew (28) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Miles Killebrew (28) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Tre Norwood (21) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Justin Layne (31) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Dwayne Haskins (3) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Anthony McFarland Jr. (26) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Anthony McFarland Jr. (26) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Dwayne Haskins (3), \ps65\and Pittsburgh Steelers running back Anthony McFarland Jr. (26) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Fans during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Anthony Johnson (83) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers punter Pressley Harvin III (6) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Antoine Brooks Jr. (25) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) and Hall of Famer Bill Cowher during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Antoine Brooks Jr. (25) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Dwayne Haskins (3) and Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kalen Ballage (29) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jamar Watson (50) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Fans during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Fans during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Fans during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Fans during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Chaz Green (74) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers center J.C. Hassenauer (60) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Kevin Rader (87) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Mathew Sexton (80) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Quincy Roche (48) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Dwayne Haskins (3) and Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kalen Ballage (29) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Dwayne Haskins (3) and Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Mathew Sexton (80) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kalen Ballage (29) and Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Dwayne Haskins (3) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kalen Ballage (29) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle John Leglue (77) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kalen Ballage (29) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers huddle during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Donovan Stiner (26) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Donovan Stiner (26) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Donovan Stiner (26) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Isaiahh Loudermilk (92) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Donovan Stiner (26) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Fans during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Fans during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Fans during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Fans during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Fans during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Fans during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers center J.C. Hassenauer (60) and Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle John Leglue (77) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kalen Ballage (29) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kalen Ballage (29) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Dwayne Haskins (3) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Buddy Johnson (51) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers huddle during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Dwayne Haskins (3) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Isaiahh Loudermilk (92) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Buddy Johnson (51) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Dwayne Haskins (3) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Zach Gentry (81) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Hall of Famer Alan Faneca and Hall of Famer Bill Cowher during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Fans during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
\sp3\during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Samuels (38) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Isaiahh Loudermilk (92) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Fans during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Samuels (38) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers center J.C. Hassenauer (60) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Buddy Johnson (51) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Trey Edmunds (33) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Fans during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Trey Edmunds (33) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
\os38o\during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Joshua Dobbs (5) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Samuels (38) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Abdullah Anderson (65) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Joshua Dobbs (5) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Joshua Dobbs (5) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Buddy Johnson (51) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Samuels (38) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Rico Bussey (84) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers punter Pressley Harvin III (6) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Tyler Simmons (82) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Joshua Dobbs (5) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Sam Sloman (16) and Pittsburgh Steelers punter Pressley Harvin III (6) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Mark Gilbert (17) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers center J.C. Hassenauer (60) and Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Joshua Dobbs (5) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Tyler Simmons (82) and Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Anthony Johnson (83) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Tyler Simmons (82) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Joshua Dobbs (5) and Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Tyler Simmons (82) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Samuels (38) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Anthony Johnson (83) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Samuels (38) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Joshua Dobbs (5) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Fans during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Anthony Johnson (83) during a Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Canton, OH. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
THREE-HORSE RACE: None of the three quarterbacks the Steelers played threw an interception.
Only one of them threw a touchdown pass.
It wasn't starter Mason Rudolph or Dwayne Haskins, the first guy out of the bullpen.
Tomlin was "happy" Josh Dobbs wound up throwing it, but he wasn't "surprised.
"You know he's been with us before and performed similarly when given an opportunity," Tomlin offered. "Man, this guy's not gonna back down from the competition."
The perception is it's a battle between Rudolph and Haskins for No. 2 behind Ben Roethlisberger at the position.
But perception may not necessarily be reality, at least it isn't to Tomlin.
"You guys keep asking me about Rudolph and Haskins; (Dobbs isn't) going anywhere," Tomlin maintained. "We were in a training camp set a number of years ago and it was (Landry) Jones and Rudolph and Dobbs.
"Nobody was asking me about Dobbs and he came out of it."
CROSSING THE LINE: The Steelers ended up with 76 rushing yards on 30 attempts, an average of 2.5 yards per carry.
The most symbolic of the bunch might have been the one running back Kalen Ballage took into the end zone on second-and-goal from the Dallas 4 in the third quarter.
The mandate has repeatedly been issued, from Art Rooney II, to Tomlin and on down the line not to be last in the NFL in rushing again this season.
Left unsaid but every bit as admirable a goal would be to carry the ball over the goal line more often, as opposed to passing it into the end zone.
There's no better way to foster the mindset the Steelers are trying to establish, the attitude and the nasty up front than by scoring rushing touchdowns.
Only Houston (10), Jacksonville (nine) and the New York Jets (nine) scored fewer of those than the Steelers last season (12).
They had a chance for more than one against the Cowboys but ultimately had to throw it in on one fourth-quarter series that reached the Dallas 4-yard line and came away empty on another that made it as far as the Dallas 5.
As Tomlin observed afterward, "We're all a work in progress."
The running game in particular.
