The legacy of the Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers rivalry in the 1970s is a storied chapter in NFL history that football fans still recount with fervor. Dubbed "America's Team" by NFL Films in 1979, the Cowboys dominated two Super Bowl victories during the decade but faced heartbreaking defeats in others. Their intense clashes with the Steelers, recognized as the 'Team of the Decade,' etched unforgettable moments into the annals of football history.
The Early Clashes
The epic battles between the Cowboys and the Steelers captured the essence of two contrasting teams fighting for supremacy. The Cowboys claimed two Super Bowl victories in the 1970s but fell short in three others by a combined margin of just 11 points. Dallas' devastating losses to Pittsburgh in Super Bowl X and Super Bowl XIII epitomized the intensity of their rivalry.
Super Bowl X: A Nail-Biting Encounter
Super Bowl X was a cliff-hanger that saw the Steelers edging out the Cowboys 21-17. One of the game's most iconic moments was Lynn Swann catching a 64-yard touchdown pass, a play still celebrated today. Pittsburgh's relentless offensive drive saw them score four consecutive times in the fourth quarter. Dallas had a chance to tilt the scales in their favor, but a last-second end-zone interception sealed their fate.
Reflecting on the encounter, Cowboys defensive lineman Ed "Too Tall" Jones noted the experience disparity between the teams. "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 said.
Super Bowl XIII: Another Heartbreaker
The stakes were even higher when the teams met again in Super Bowl XIII. Marking the first time two teams with multiple previous championships clashed in the Super Bowl, the game was a roller-coaster of emotions. The Cowboys jumped to an early lead, only for the Steelers to shift momentum with a fierce offensive display. Pittsburgh triumphed with a 35-31 victory.
Several key moments defined the game. Benny Barnes was controversially called for pass interference, a decision that led to a crucial touchdown run by Franco Harris. "You mention Benny Barnes and those calls, I'm not one to complain, because that's just one play," Jones remarked. "Even though every controversial call went against Dallas, but throw that to the side. The difference was experience."
Roger Staubach's valiant effort in leading two late scoring drives was overshadowed by a missed opportunity when Jackie Smith infamously dropped a touchdown pass. That single play epitomized the narrow margins and high stakes inherent in the Cowboys-Steelers rivalry.
Rule Changes and Their Impact
The 1970s era was a time of significant evolution in the NFL, marked by rule changes in 1978 that aimed to counter Pittsburgh's mighty defense. Ironically, these adjustments also bolstered the Steelers' offense, leading to a league MVP title for their quarterback, Terry Bradshaw. Amid these changes, the Cowboys added promising talent like running back Tony Dorsett in 1977, who would contribute to their future successes.
Legacy of "America's Team"
Earning the moniker "America's Team" in 1979 wasn't just a testament to the Cowboys' on-field performances but also their broad appeal and media presence. The nickname has endured, becoming synonymous with the team's brand. Defensive stalwart Ed "Too Tall" Jones, known for his towering presence and remarkable career tally of 106 sacks, became one of the many faces associated with this legacy. Jones also ventured beyond the gridiron, promoting mobility aids like Sportcane, evidencing the diverse contributions of Cowboys alumni.
Reflecting on a Bygone Era
Reflecting on those high-stakes games, Jones emphasized the importance of experience in such pivotal moments. "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' reflections capture the essence of this legendary rivalry – a clash of titans marked by grit, skill, and the weight of history. As the Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers moved beyond the 1970s, their encounters left an indelible mark on NFL lore, reminding fans why these games are immortalized in football history.