The offense, from coordinator Arthur Smith on down, emerged encouraged from the second half in Indianapolis, from two quarters that shined a light on individual and collective potential.
But four subsequent quarters against Dallas betrayed the work yet to be done until the Steelers can achieve the consistency they seek on that side of the ball.
"Every game's its own story," Smith maintained.
The story from Cowboys 20, Steelers 17 was what might have been.
"The first series, came away with points, not seven," Smith assessed. "You talk about trying to start faster, we were certainly more aggressive. You talk about a game of inches, not hitting the play to (tight end) Connor (Heyward). There were a couple other things, we tried to go after them early, didn't (execute), you end up with three points. We had a drive where we kind of did it to ourselves with a couple procedure penalties.
"It was a limited-possession game, there's always give and take. They stopped doing some things they were doing early, probably in reaction to some of the scheme things (the Steelers were running). We adapted and, obviously, moved it a little bit cleaner in the second half, certainly the opening drive and that last drive to go ahead."
The "play to Connor" Smith referenced was a deep shot down the sideline on first-and-10 from the Steelers' 37-yard line. Heyward was behind the defense, had to execute a full-extension dive for the ball and ultimately couldn't maintain possession upon landing.
The Steelers prepare for the Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr. (31), Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Anthony Averett (18), Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back D'Shawn Jamison (5) and Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Jaray Jenkins (82) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (19) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Jaray Jenkins (82) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) and Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kyle Allen (4) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Jaray Jenkins (82) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (19) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Mark Robinson (93) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (19) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Elandon Roberts (50) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Jaray Jenkins (82) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kyle Allen (4), Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) and Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson (41) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kyle Allen (4) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson (10) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Mark Robinson (93) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Thomas Graham Jr. (37) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Miles Killebrew (28) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Terrell Edmunds (38) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Miles Killebrew (28) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr. (31) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott (25) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Ayo Oyelola (17) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Van Jefferson (11) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (19) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr. (31) and Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Darius Rush (21) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Jaray Jenkins (82) and Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Van Jefferson (11) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Scotty Miller (13) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr. (31) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back D'Shawn Jamison (5) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Thomas Graham Jr. (37) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Jaray Jenkins (82) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Quez Watkins (16) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Quarterback Justin Fields also overthrew tight end Darnell Washington on a deep shot down the middle that otherwise might have resulted in a touchdown on a drive that ultimately produced three points.
Those turned out to be all the points the Steelers managed in the first half but they opened the third quarter with a Fields-to-Heyward 16-yard touchdown pass for a 10-6 advantage and executed a 12-play, 63-yard march in 5:32 that culminated in a 6-yard touchdown pass from Fields to tight end Pat Freiermuth for a 17-13 lead with 4:56 left in the fourth quarter.
For Fields and for the Steelers' offense, the Dallas game was much like the four that had preceded it.
"Like a lot of our guys there has been some really good football played and there are things we gotta keep working on," Smith continued. "(Fields) is unique in terms of, in the modern area, a guy that's kind of old school, just tries to work on things.
The Steelers prepare for the Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson (10) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Isaiahh Loudermilk (92) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Devin Harper (40) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott (25) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Miles Killebrew (28) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
A general view during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Terrell Edmunds (38) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Devin Harper (40), Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson (41), Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6), Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Elandon Roberts (50) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Mark Robinson (93) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (99) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson (10) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Adetokunbo Ogundeji (48) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Pittsburgh Steelers linebackers during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Dean Lowry (94) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) and Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers center Ryan McCollum (62), Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Spencer Anderson (74), Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Dan Moore Jr. (65) and Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Broderick Jones (77) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers guard Max Scharping (64) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
A general view during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Quez Watkins (16) and Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Brandon Johnson (89) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
"There's no drama with him. He doesn't try to live through his avatar, create a perception. That's probably why he was so endearing to his teammates in Chicago. That's what I really enjoy about working with him, extremely coachable, extremely bright.
"It's the same thing as a play-caller. You get in this business and people start making excuses or rationalize and blaming others, whatever it is, put whatever they want on social media, make sure certain narratives get leaked out. He's old school, guy just wants to work and that's what you appreciate about him, very pleased with him overall."
Smith continues to work with Fields and is also getting a chance to work a little more closely with quarterback Russell Wilson this week.
Wilson returned to full participation in practice, taking reps in drills behind Fields.
Wilson hadn't been a full participant since he aggravated his calf injury days before the regular-season opener in September.
"Took some of the reps Kyle (Allen) had been taking, just kinda see where it goes from there," Smith said. "It's not like a guy that played a full game or played the first part of the season and missed a week or has something lingering coming from (the previous) Sunday. They're all different, what you're managing.
"Just kinda have to take it day by day."
