It was 1979 when the Dallas Cowboys earned the illustrious title "America's Team," a moniker bestowed upon them by NFL Films. The Cowboys' 1970s era was one of both triumph and heartbreak, making them an enduring subject of discussion among football aficionados.
The Riveting Rivalry: Cowboys vs. Steelers
The decade was marked by a fierce rivalry between the Dallas Cowboys and the Pittsburgh Steelers. While the Cowboys secured two Super Bowl victories, they also faced crushing defeats in three Super Bowls, losing by a combined total of just 11 points.
The 1970s saw the Steelers crowned as the 'Team of the Decade,' an accolade solidified by their triumph over the Cowboys in pivotal matchups. Pittsburgh won Super Bowl X with a score of 21-17 and Super Bowl XIII by 35-31, both times cementing their dominance. During Super Bowl X, the Steelers showcased their prowess by scoring four consecutive times in the fourth quarter, including a memorable 64-yard touchdown catch by Lynn Swann. Dallas, fighting till the end, had an end-zone interception as time expired.
Super Bowl XIII was particularly notable as it featured the first clash between two teams that had each previously won multiple championships. Although Dallas initially took the lead, Pittsburgh’s offensive blitzkrieg shifted the momentum, despite Roger Staubach's tenacious effort with two late scoring drives.
A Battle of Experience Vs. Youth
Veteran prowess made a significant difference in these high-stakes games. "That Pittsburgh team had nothing but veterans on both sides of the ball. Nothing but veterans. We were a very young team both times, when they beat us in '75 and when they beat us in '78, even though we only lost by four points both games and [Roger] Staubach had the ball driving [late] in those games," reflected Ed "Too Tall" Jones.
Jones’ sentiment underscores the experience gap that played a pivotal role in these encounters. "I was proud of the way we hung in there against a veteran team, because experience in big games is very important. Very important," he added.
Controversial Calls and Heartbreak
The close nature of these contests inevitably led to controversies, particularly in Super Bowl XIII. Benny Barnes was called for pass interference, a decision that triggered a shift in the game's momentum, resulting in a Franco Harris touchdown. Although the call remains a point of contention, Jones remarked, "You mention Benny Barnes and those calls, I'm not one to complain, because that's just one play. Even though every controversial call went against Dallas, but throw that to the side. The difference was experience."
Heartbreak moments, like Jackie Smith’s dropped touchdown pass and the pass interference call against Benny Barnes, served as painful memories for the Cowboys. Barnes' penalty was especially impactful, leading directly to a touchdown that swung the game in Pittsburgh's favor.
Significant Players and Changes
The 1970s Cowboys boasted several standout performers. Defensive dynamo Ed "Too Tall" Jones was a key figure, recording an impressive 106 sacks over his 15-year career. He now promotes mobility aids like the Sportcane, crediting it with making a significant difference in his daily life: "Just my daily activities, it makes all the difference in the world. I don't know what I would do if it wasn't for the Sportcane as far as being able to get around and still not letting anything hinder what I do in life."
Meanwhile, Tony Dorsett, added to the roster in 1977, bolstered the Cowboys' running game, supporting their Super Bowl XII victory against the Denver Broncos.
The Impact of Rule Changes
The NFL's 1978 rule changes aimed to hinder Pittsburgh's defensive dominance but ironically ended up boosting their offensive capabilities. That year, Terry Bradshaw, the Steelers' quarterback, earned the league MVP title, a testament to how the adjustments played to Pittsburgh's strengths.
Through exhilarating victories and narrow defeats, the Dallas Cowboys of the 1970s created an indelible legacy, earning the affectionate title "America's Team." Their rivalry with the Steelers remains one of the most captivating chapters in NFL history, a testament to the importance of resilience, youth, and experience on the grand stage of football.