The Legendary Rivalry of the 1970s: Cowboys vs. Steelers
The 1970s heralded a golden era for the NFL, dominated by fierce rivalries, none more captivating than that between the Dallas Cowboys and the Pittsburgh Steelers. As the dust settled on the decade, football fans worldwide were left with indelible memories of epic clashes and dramatic outcomes that defined a generation of the sport.
The Dallas Cowboys, dubbed "America's Team" in 1979 by NFL Films, were a force to be reckoned with. The moniker stuck, symbolizing their nationwide appeal and dominance. Throughout the decade, the Cowboys clinched two Super Bowl victories, a testament to their prowess on the field. However, their journey was not without setbacks; they lost three Super Bowls by a mere combined total of 11 points.
While the Cowboys enjoyed their share of success, the Pittsburgh Steelers were unequivocally the team of the decade. Their dominance was such that they earned the title of the 'Team of the Decade,' with a talented roster filled with veterans who knew how to win big games. The rivalry between the Cowboys and the Steelers was intense, highlighted by several significant games, including two unforgettable Super Bowl encounters.
In Super Bowl X, the Steelers edged out the Cowboys with a narrow 21-17 victory. The game was a masterclass in resilience and clutch performances, exemplified by Pittsburgh's four consecutive scores in the fourth quarter and a spectacular 64-yard touchdown catch by Lynn Swann. As the clock wound down, the Cowboys' hopes were dashed with a last-second end-zone interception.
Super Bowl XIII was another classic, marking the first Super Bowl between two teams that had previously won multiple championships. The Cowboys initially took the lead, but Pittsburgh’s offensive might turned the tide. The game saw Roger Staubach leading two late scoring drives, a missed touchdown opportunity from Jackie Smith, and a controversial pass interference call against Benny Barnes that led to a Franco Harris touchdown. The Steelers ultimately triumphed 35-31 in a high-scoring thriller.
Reflecting on these battles, Ed "Too Tall" Jones, a defensive stalwart for the Cowboys, praised the Steelers’ veteran presence. "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," he remarked.
Jones further admired the resilience of his team. "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 said. Despite the narrow losses and controversial calls, Jones maintained perspective. "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 Cowboys were not without their moments of glory. They secured a victory in Super Bowl XII against the Denver Broncos and bolstered their roster with the addition of running back Tony Dorsett in 1977. Meanwhile, the Steelers saw their fortunes enhanced by NFL rule changes in 1978, which, intended to hinder their defensive dominance, inadvertently strengthened their offense. Terry Bradshaw’s MVP title in 1978 attested to the effectiveness of these changes.
Jones, known for his remarkable career with 106 sacks over 15 years, has remained in the public eye, promoting mobility aids like the Sportcane. "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," he shared, reflecting on his life post-football.
The 1970s battles between the Cowboys and the Steelers were more than just games; they were defining moments that shaped the identity of both franchises. The narrative etched into the annals of NFL history is one of competition, respect, and the relentless pursuit of greatness that continues to inspire fans and players alike.