In the annals of NFL history, few teams have garnered as much attention and admiration as the Dallas Cowboys and the Pittsburgh Steelers, particularly during their fierce rivalry in the 1970s. This competitive era not only defined the teams involved but also the direction of professional football in the years to follow.
America's Team Emerges
The Dallas Cowboys earned the nickname "America’s Team" in 1979, a moniker bestowed upon them by NFL Films. This title reflected not just their performance on the field but their immense popularity beyond it. The Cowboys' appeal was further bolstered by their two Super Bowl victories during the 1970s, solidifying their status in the sport's upper echelons.
Heartbreaking Defeats
While the Cowboys experienced triumph, they also endured agonizing defeats. Over the course of the decade, Dallas reached the Super Bowl five times, but three of those appearances ended in losses by a combined margin of just 11 points. These close calls underscored the razor-thin line between victory and defeat in professional sports.
Clashes with the Steelers
The Cowboys' rivalry with the Pittsburgh Steelers was particularly intense. Recognized as the 'Team of the Decade,' the Steelers' rosters were laden with veterans who excelled in crucial moments. The two teams faced off in several high-stakes contests, with Pittsburgh emerging triumphant in Super Bowl X and XIII.
In Super Bowl X, the Steelers edged out the Cowboys with a 21-17 victory, marked by a dramatic series of events. Lynn Swann's 64-yard touchdown catch and Pittsburgh’s four successive scores in the fourth quarter turned the game on its head. Dallas had their chance to leap back into contention, but a last-moment end-zone interception sealed their fate.
Super Bowl XIII was equally riveting, not least because it was the first time two teams with multiple championships each squared off in the big game. Dallas initially took the lead, but Pittsburgh's offensive blitz, including a crucial touchdown following a pass interference call on Benny Barnes, shifted the game’s momentum.
Post-Game Reflections
Reflecting on these matchups, Ed "Too Tall" Jones, a defensive stalwart for the Cowboys, highlighted the differences in team composition. "That Pittsburgh team had nothing but veterans on both sides of the ball. We were a very young team both times, when they beat us in '75 and when they beat us in '78," Jones said. Despite losing both games by narrow margins, he was proud of their performance. "Experience in big games is very important. Very important."
Significant Performances and Moments
Super Bowl XIII was a showcase of extraordinary moments and standout performances. Roger Staubach’s late efforts to rally the Cowboys and Jackie Smith’s infamous dropped touchdown pass are etched in NFL lore. The impact of these moments didn't escape seasoned players like Jones, who noted the challenges faced by his team. "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." The Steelers capitalized on their veteran savvy, a key factor in their victories.
Rule Changes and Impact
Interestingly, rule changes in 1978 intended to curb Pittsburgh’s defensive dominance paradoxically strengthened their offensive unit. This led to a stellar season for quarterback Terry Bradshaw, who won the league MVP title that year.
A Lasting Legacy
The legacy of Ed "Too Tall" Jones himself remains significant. Over his 15-year career, he recorded 106 sacks and continued to influence the game off the field. Today, Jones is a known advocate for mobility aids like the Sportcane, highlighting its crucial role 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," Jones stated.
In conclusion, the Cowboys and Steelers of the 1970s both etched memorable and impactful chapters in NFL history. Their rivalry and the players' reflections on those times continue to resonate, illustrating the enduring allure of America’s Game.