The Legacy of America's Team and the Steel Curtain: A 1970s Showdown
The Dallas Cowboys' journey to becoming "America's Team" began in 1979, a title bestowed upon them by NFL Films. This designation followed their impressive and tumultuous decade, marked by both triumphs and heart-wrenching losses. During the 1970s, the Cowboys clinched two Super Bowl victories but also endured three narrow defeats by a combined total of just 11 points.
Among their most notable rivalries was with the Pittsburgh Steelers, who dominated the era and were recognized as the 'Team of the Decade.' This rivalry saw the Steelers defeat the Cowboys in two memorable Super Bowls: Super Bowl X and Super Bowl XIII.
In Super Bowl X, the Steelers emerged victorious with a score of 21-17. The fourth quarter was a dramatic showdown, with Pittsburgh scoring four consecutive times. Lynn Swann's 64-yard touchdown reception remains one of the game's iconic moments. As the clock ran out, Dallas's hope for a comeback was dashed by an end-zone interception.
Super Bowl XIII saw the two teams clash again, marking the first Super Bowl between franchises that had each previously won multiple championships. Dallas jumped to an early lead, but Pittsburgh's offensive prowess soon shifted the momentum. The Steelers ultimately prevailed in a high-scoring affair, 35-31.
Ed "Too Tall" Jones, a key defensive player for the Cowboys who notched 106 sacks over his 15-year career, reflected on these battles: "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 further articulated his pride in the Cowboys' valiant efforts: "I was proud of the way we hung in there against a veteran team because experience in big games is very important. Very important."
The 1978 season was particularly significant, with rule changes implemented to curb the Steelers' defensive dominance. Ironically, these changes ended up bolstering Pittsburgh's offense, culminating in Terry Bradshaw earning the league MVP title that year.
The intensity of Super Bowl XIII was further heightened by contentious moments, including a critical pass interference call against Dallas's Benny Barnes, which set up a touchdown for Pittsburgh's Franco Harris. Despite these challenges, Roger Staubach led two late scoring drives, showcasing the Cowboys' relentless spirit. Nevertheless, the game is often remembered for the infamous drop by Jackie Smith, a play that haunts Cowboys fans to this day.
Jones commented on the officiating and the game's pivotal moments: "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."
Despite these setbacks, the Cowboys secured their own success, including a victory in Super Bowl XII against the Denver Broncos. The addition of running back Tony Dorsett in 1977 was another highlight, enhancing their offensive capabilities.
Reflecting on the legacy of these iconic clashes, Jones expressed no lingering animosity towards the outcomes but rather admiration for the competition and the lessons learned. Off the field, he continues to inspire by promoting mobility aids like Sportcane, underlining the importance of resilience and adaptability in every aspect of 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 confrontations between the Dallas Cowboys and the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1970s remain some of the most thrilling in NFL history. They were a testament to the grit, skill, and drama that define professional football, leaving an indelible mark on America's sports landscape.