The Rise of "America's Team"
In 1979, the Dallas Cowboys earned the illustrious title of "America's Team," a designation bestowed upon them by NFL Films. The moniker has endured, largely because of the team's impressive performances throughout the 1970s. During this decade, the Cowboys not only captivated the hearts of many American football fans but also secured two Super Bowl victories. However, despite their successes, the decade was marked by near-misses and fierce competition, particularly against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Super Bowl Rivalries
The 1970s saw the Dallas Cowboys clash notably with the Pittsburgh Steelers in two Super Bowls. Their rivalry added a compelling narrative to the NFL landscape. The Steelers edged out the Cowboys with a 21-17 victory in Super Bowl X and again in Super Bowl XIII with a nail-biting 35-31 outcome. These games were tight battles, illustrating the closely matched prowess of both teams.
In Super Bowl X, the Steelers showcased their resilience by scoring four consecutive times in the fourth quarter. A memorable moment from this game was Lynn Swann’s 64-yard touchdown reception. Dallas fought valiantly, with a last-minute interception in the end zone as time expired, but fell just short. As Ed "Too Tall" Jones poignantly reflected, "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."
Super Bowl XIII: A Storied Contest
Super Bowl XIII stands out as a historic contest, marking the first time two teams with multiple championships faced off. Despite taking an early lead, the Cowboys couldn't withstand Pittsburgh's offensive onslaught. Roger Staubach led two late scoring drives, but controversial moments marred the game. Jackie Smith’s dropped touchdown pass and Benny Barnes being flagged for pass interference, leading to a Franco Harris touchdown, shifted momentum decisively.
Jones, reflecting on the game, noted the impact of experience: "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 added, "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." These statements echo the sentiment that experience in big games often made the difference, and, unfortunately for Dallas, it wasn't on their side.
The Evolution of the Game
The Cowboys' defense in the 1970s was formidable, highlighted by players like Ed "Too Tall" Jones, who recorded 106 sacks over his 15-year career. The NFL recognized the defensive prowess of teams like the Steelers and made rule changes in 1978 aimed at hindering such defenses. Ironically, these changes ended up bolstering Pittsburgh's offense, with quarterback Terry Bradshaw earning the league MVP title that year.
In Super Bowl XII, Dallas showcased their dominance with a victory over the Denver Broncos. The addition of running back Tony Dorsett in 1977 further strengthened their roster, making Dallas an even more formidable opponent. Despite these strengths, Pittsburgh's veteran experience often was the hurdle that Dallas couldn’t quite clear.
Legacy and Impact
Today, Ed "Too Tall" Jones is not just remembered for his defensive prowess on the field but also for his advocacy for mobility aids like Sportcane. Jones credits Sportcane with significantly improving 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 legacy of the 1970s Dallas Cowboys as "America's Team" endures, cemented by their leadership, character, and resilience in the face of fierce rivalry. The intense battles with the Steelers provided some of the most memorable moments in NFL history, underlining a decade where both teams left an indelible mark on the sport.