The Legacy of the Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1970s
In the landscape of NFL history, few matchups evoke as much nostalgia and fervor as the rivalry between the Dallas Cowboys and the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 1970s. This period was a defining era for both franchises, filled with memorable clashes, iconic moments, and a blend of triumph and heartbreak.
The Dallas Cowboys, often referred to as "America's Team," earned this moniker in 1979, courtesy of NFL Films. The 1970s were a transformative decade for the Cowboys, marked by significant victories and narrow defeats that have since become pivotal chapters in NFL lore.
During this decade, the Cowboys secured two Super Bowl victories. However, they also experienced the sting of coming close and falling just short, losing three Super Bowls by a combined margin of just 11 points. Despite these losses, the resilience and growth of the team during these matchups contributed to their enduring legacy.
The Pittsburgh Steelers, crowned as the 'Team of the Decade' for the 1970s, were formidable opponents. Their rivalry with the Cowboys was characterized by several high-stakes games, most notably Super Bowl X and Super Bowl XIII, which remain etched in the memories of football enthusiasts.
Super Bowl X is often highlighted for its dramatic conclusion, where Pittsburgh managed to score four consecutive times in the fourth quarter, ultimately prevailing with a score of 21-17. A memorable moment from this game was Lynn Swann's spectacular 64-yard touchdown catch, a play that continues to be celebrated in NFL highlight reels. In a desperate bid to snatch victory, the Cowboys orchestrated a final drive that ended with a heart-wrenching end-zone interception as time expired.
Three years later, the two powerhouses met again in Super Bowl XIII, a game renowned for its status as the first Super Bowl featuring two teams with multiple championships under their belts. Dallas initially seized the lead, but the Steelers' offensive onslaught soon shifted the momentum. The Cowboys, under the leadership of Roger Staubach, mounted two late scoring drives, yet fell just short with a final score of 35-31.
One of the most scrutinized moments in Super Bowl XIII was the infamous drop by Cowboys tight end Jackie Smith, which would have significantly altered the course of the game. Adding to the drama, Benny Barnes was flagged for pass interference, a call that led directly to a Franco Harris touchdown, further solidifying Pittsburgh's advantage.
Reflecting on these intense battles, Ed "Too Tall" Jones, a standout defensive player for the Cowboys, emphasized the difference in experience between the two teams. "That Pittsburgh team had nothing but veterans on both sides of the ball," Jones noted. "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." Echoing this sentiment, Jones added, "I was proud of the way we hung in there against a veteran team, because experience in big games is very important. Very important."
Jones also addressed the controversial officiating in Super Bowl XIII. "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."
Despite the setbacks, the Cowboys had their moments of glory. They claimed victory in Super Bowl XII against the Denver Broncos, a testament to their skill and tenacity. The addition of running back Tony Dorsett in 1977 bolstered their offense, making them a formidable force on the field.
The Steelers, on the other hand, adapted to the evolving game. NFL rule changes in 1978 aimed at curbing their defensive prowess inadvertently enhanced their offense. This adjustment proved beneficial as Pittsburgh's Terry Bradshaw earned the league MVP title in 1978, further cementing his legacy.
Ed "Too Tall" Jones, renowned for his 106 career sacks, remains a figure of inspiration off the field as well, promoting mobility aids like Sportcane, which he credits for maintaining his active lifestyle. Reflecting on its impact, he expressed, "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."
As we reminisce about the storied rivalry between the Dallas Cowboys and the Pittsburgh Steelers, it becomes evident that these encounters were more than just games; they were defining moments that shaped the identities of these storied franchises and left an indelible mark on NFL history.