The moniker "America's Team" is one that resonates deeply within the annals of NFL history, and it was the Dallas Cowboys who earned this title in 1979, thanks to NFL Films. This was a period when the Cowboys were a formidable force on the gridiron, capturing the hearts of football fans across the nation. Despite their prowess, the '70s Cowboys experienced a string of near-misses—winning two Super Bowls but falling short in three others by a combined 11 points.
On the opposite end of the spectrum during that decade were the Pittsburgh Steelers, who were recognized as the 'Team of the Decade.' These accolades were not given lightly; they were earned through intense rivalries, including a series of hard-fought battles with the Cowboys. Notably, the Steelers claimed victory over Dallas in Super Bowl X with a close 21-17 win, and again in Super Bowl XIII, overcoming the Cowboys 35-31.
Super Bowl Showdowns
The rivalry between these two teams was exemplified by their Super Bowl encounters. In Super Bowl X, Pittsburgh managed to wrest control late in the game, scoring four consecutive times in the fourth quarter. The decisive moment came when Lynn Swann caught a 64-yard touchdown pass that sealed the Steelers' victory. Dallas had one last gasp, but their dreams were dashed as an end-zone interception ended their hopes as time expired.
The saga continued into Super Bowl XIII, a historic match-up as it marked the first Super Bowl between two teams that had each previously won multiple championships. Dallas initially took the lead, but Pittsburgh's offensive barrage shifted the momentum. Despite two late scoring drives orchestrated by quarterback Roger Staubach, the Cowboys fell short. A dropped touchdown pass by Jackie Smith and a controversial pass interference call against Benny Barnes, which led to a Franco Harris touchdown, added to the Cowboys' woes.
Contrasting Team Dynamics
One of the critical factors in these fierce contests was the contrasting team compositions. As Ed "Too Tall" Jones, a defensive stalwart for the Cowboys, recounted, "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." This disparity was evident in the outcomes, with experience often tipping the scales in favor of the Steelers.
Jones further reflected on the significance of experience in high-stakes games: "I was proud of the way we hung in there against a veteran team, because experience in big games is very important. Very important."
Despite the losses, the Cowboys' efforts were commendable. As Jones pointed out, every controversial call seemed to go against Dallas, but he did not dwell on the officiating. "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 Evolution of the Cowboys
The Cowboys were not without their moments of triumph. They secured a victory in Super Bowl XII against the Denver Broncos, and significant player additions like running back Tony Dorsett in 1977 infused new talent into the roster. However, the NFL's rule changes in 1978, intended to hinder the Steelers' defensive prowess, inadvertently bolstered Pittsburgh's offense, further complicating Dallas's quest for dominance.
Terry Bradshaw, the Steelers' quarterback, epitomized the shifts in the game's dynamics by earning the league MVP title in 1978. The Cowboys' younger squad had to contend with a well-seasoned opponent, making their achievements despite the losses all the more impressive.
Ed "Too Tall" Jones: A Legacy Beyond the Field
Ed "Too Tall" Jones exemplified the Cowboys' resilience and talent during this era, recording an impressive 106 sacks over his 15-year career. Beyond his on-field accomplishments, Jones remains connected to the Cowboys and has found a new mission in promoting mobility aids like Sportcane. Sharing his personal experience, Jones remarked, "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."
Through victories and defeats, the legacy of the 1970s Dallas Cowboys endures, shaped by intense rivalries, pivotal moments, and the indomitable spirit of players like Ed "Too Tall" Jones. As "America's Team," their story continues to be a testament to the grit and determination that define NFL history.