In the annals of NFL history, few rivalries have been as storied and intense as that between the Dallas Cowboys and the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 1970s. The Cowboys, crowned "America's Team" in 1979 by NFL Films, were synonymous with flair, excitement, and resilience. Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Steelers, with their formidable defense and clutch performances, were the formidable foes that Dallas had to reckon with time and again.
The Rise of "America's Team"
The moniker "America's Team" stuck with the Dallas Cowboys following their impressive feats throughout the decade. Under the guidance of coach Tom Landry and the leadership of stars like quarterback Roger Staubach and running back Tony Dorsett, who joined the team in 1977, the Cowboys became a dominant force in the NFL.
However, it was not all smooth sailing. Despite winning two Super Bowls in the '70s, the Cowboys also faced heartbreak on the grandest stages. They lost three Super Bowls by a combined margin of just 11 points. The narrow defeats underscored the razor-thin margins in NFL competition, particularly against their nemesis, the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Steely Rivalry
During the 1970s, the Pittsburgh Steelers emerged as the "Team of the Decade," a nod to their unparalleled success on the field. Their rivalry with the Cowboys was marked by iconic moments and legendary matchups, particularly in Super Bowl X and Super Bowl XIII.
In Super Bowl X, the Steelers triumphed with a 21-17 victory after scoring four consecutive times in the fourth quarter. A pivotal moment came when Lynn Swann caught a 64-yard touchdown pass, a highlight that remains etched in NFL lore. Despite a valiant effort by Dallas, which included a dramatic end-zone interception as time expired, the Cowboys fell short.
Super Bowl XIII was another nail-biting affair. It was the first Super Bowl featuring two teams that had each previously won multiple championships. The Cowboys initially took the lead, but Pittsburgh's offensive onslaught soon altered the momentum. Roger Staubach, displaying his characteristic grit, led two late scoring drives. The game also featured notable incidents such as Jackie Smith's infamous dropped touchdown pass and a controversial pass interference call against Benny Barnes, which led to a crucial Franco Harris touchdown.
"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," reflected Ed "Too Tall" Jones, highlighting the critical role of experience in such high-stakes games.
The Cowboys' Defensive Stalwarts
The Cowboys' defense, featuring standout players like Ed "Too Tall" Jones, was a cornerstone of their success. Jones, who recorded 106 sacks over his 15-year career, was a defensive force. His contributions were pivotal in the Cowboys' victory in Super Bowl XII against the Denver Broncos. Reflecting on the battles with Pittsburgh, Jones observed, "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 Staubach had the ball driving [late] in those games."
Jones’ reflections not only underscore the intense competition between these two franchises but also illustrate how experience often tips the scales in crucial moments. The Steelers, fortified by seasoned veterans, found ways to leverage their experience to clinch victories.
Rule Changes and Their Impact
The NFL landscape during the late '70s also saw significant rule changes in 1978, aimed ostensibly at tempering the Steelers' defensive dominance. Ironically, these changes bolstered Pittsburgh's offense, with Terry Bradshaw earning the league MVP title in 1978.
Reflections and Legacy
Looking back, memories of these epic clashes between Dallas and Pittsburgh evoke a sense of nostalgia and admiration for the toughness and skill displayed by both teams. "I was proud of the way we hung in there against a veteran team, because experience in big games is very important. Very important," reflected Jones.
Today, while Ed "Too Tall" Jones promotes mobility aids like Sportcane, his contributions to the Cowboys and the NFL during the 1970s remain indelible. "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," said Jones, emphasizing the importance of maintaining mobility and independence.
The legacy of the 1970s Cowboys as "America's Team" lives on, a testimony not just to their victories but also to their unyielding spirit in the face of formidable opposition.