The Echoes of America’s Team and Their Greatest Rivalry
The Dallas Cowboys, famously known as "America's Team," earned their moniker in 1979, a title bestowed upon them by NFL Films. Throughout the 1970s, the Cowboys etched an indelible mark on NFL history, although their journey was replete with both triumph and heartache. Their fiercest battles during this illustrious decade were often against the Pittsburgh Steelers, who were crowned as the 'Team of the Decade.'
The Cowboys' prowess in the '70s saw them clinch two Super Bowl titles while enduring the pain of three narrow losses in the big game, a combined margin of just 11 points. One of their most memorable rivalries during this era was with the Pittsburgh Steelers. These encounters were not merely games but dramatic sagas that added layers to the legacy of both franchises.
Super Bowl Clashes
The Steelers defeated the Cowboys in Super Bowl X by a score of 21-17. This game was a testament to Pittsburgh's resilience, as they scored four consecutive times in the fourth quarter. Lynn Swann’s remarkable 64-yard touchdown catch stood out, and an end-zone interception by Dallas as time expired sealed their fate in a heartbreaking loss.
Super Bowl XIII added another chapter to this rivalry. It was the first Super Bowl where both teams had previously won multiple championships. Although Dallas initially took the lead, Pittsburgh's offensive onslaught soon shifted the momentum. The Steelers ultimately secured a 35-31 victory, but not without a dramatic twist. Roger Staubach led two late scoring drives, displaying his legendary tenacity. However, critical moments such as Jackie Smith’s dropped touchdown pass and Benny Barnes’ pass interference call—a call that led to a Franco Harris touchdown—altered the course of the game.
Ed "Too Tall" Jones, a key defensive player for the Cowboys, reflected on these pivotal games. He remarked, "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."
Jones' insights underscore the youth and inexperience of the Cowboys compared to the battle-hardened Steelers. His pride in the Cowboys' tenacity was evident: "I was proud of the way we hung in there against a veteran team, because experience in big games is very important. Very important."
An Era of Transformation
The late '70s also witnessed transformative changes in NFL rules, initially aimed at curtailing the Steelers' defensive dominance. Ironically, these changes ended up enhancing Pittsburgh's offensive capabilities. In 1978, Terry Bradshaw was named the league MVP, further solidifying the Steelers' position as a dominant force.
Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys heralded new talent in running back Tony Dorsett, who joined the roster in 1977. Despite the challenges, they managed to secure a victory in Super Bowl XII against the Denver Broncos. However, the consistent rivalry and near-miss encounters with the Steelers added an edge of relentless pursuit to their story.
Reflecting on the refereeing in these critical games, 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."
Legacy and Impact
Ed "Too Tall" Jones, who recorded an astounding 106 sacks over his 15-year career, remains an emblem of the Cowboys' enduring spirit. Beyond his football career, Jones now promotes mobility aids like Sportcane, which he credits for significantly aiding 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."
The 1970s were a transformative decade for both the Dallas Cowboys and the Pittsburgh Steelers. The rivalry not only defined an era but also shaped the future trajectories of both franchises. The Cowboys' label as "America's Team" carried forward their legacy, while the Steelers' dominance and the legendary clashes between the two teams remain etched in the annals of NFL history.