America's Team: The 1970s Dallas Cowboys and Their Rivalry with the Pittsburgh Steelers
In 1979, the Dallas Cowboys earned the designation "America's Team," a title bestowed upon them by NFL Films. This nickname reflected their widespread popularity across the United States, a fitting tribute to a team that had made a significant mark on the NFL during the 1970s.
The Cowboys' impressive record in the 1970s included remarkable successes and heartbreaking losses. They won two Super Bowl titles, solidifying their reputation as a powerhouse in the league. However, they also faced three close Super Bowl defeats by a combined total of just 11 points, underscoring the fine margins that often separate triumph from defeat in the sport.
Rivalry with the Steelers
During this decade, one of the most compelling narratives was the fierce rivalry between the Dallas Cowboys and the Pittsburgh Steelers. These two teams clashed in several memorable games, including not one but two Super Bowl matchups. The Steelers emerged victorious on both occasions, defeating the Cowboys in Super Bowl X with a score of 21-17, and again in Super Bowl XIII with a score of 35-31.
Super Bowl X was a game of high drama and intense competition. Pittsburgh managed to score four consecutive times in the fourth quarter, culminating in a 64-yard touchdown pass caught by Lynn Swann. As the game drew to a close, Dallas had a potential game-winning end-zone interception attempt as time expired, encapsulating the narrow defeat that defined their rivalry.
Super Bowl XIII
In Super Bowl XIII, the intensity of the competition reached new heights. It was the first Super Bowl to feature two teams that had each previously clinched multiple championships. Dallas initially seized the lead, but Pittsburgh mounted an offensive barrage that shifted the momentum. Quarterback Roger Staubach led two late scoring drives, showcasing the Cowboys' relentless spirit. Reflecting on these games, former Cowboys defensive lineman Ed "Too Tall" Jones remarked, "That Pittsburgh team had nothing but veterans on both sides of the ball... and [Roger] Staubach had the ball driving [late] in those games."
The game also featured its share of drama and controversy. Jackie Smith's infamous dropped touchdown pass and Benny Barnes being called for pass interference, a call that led to a Franco Harris touchdown, were pivotal moments. Despite these setbacks, Jones highlighted the Cowboys' resilience, "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 Clash of Eras
The Steelers' dominance in these matchups was part of a broader tapestry of 1970s NFL history. They were recognized as the 'Team of the Decade,' a testament to their consistent excellence. The Cowboys, despite their setbacks, continued to be a formidable force, augmented by key players like running back Tony Dorsett, who joined the team in 1977. NFL rule changes in 1978, initially intended to hinder the Steelers' defensive prowess, ironically ended up bolstering Pittsburgh's offense, with Terry Bradshaw earning the league MVP title that year.
Legacy of Ed "Too Tall" Jones
Ed "Too Tall" Jones, a pillar of the Cowboys' defense, recorded an impressive 106 sacks over his 15-year career. His reflections on the Cowboys-Steelers rivalry and his career shed light on the grit and determination that characterized the team, even in the face of adversity. "You mention Benny Barnes and those calls, I'm not one to complain, because that's just one play," Jones acknowledged. "Even though every controversial call went against Dallas, but throw that to the side. The difference was experience."
Today, Jones continues to make an impact, promoting mobility aids like Sportcane, which he credits for maintaining his independence. "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 said.
The 1970s was a defining era for both the Dallas Cowboys and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Their rivalry, marked by epic clashes and unforgettable moments, left an indelible mark on NFL history. The Cowboys, as "America's Team," and the Steelers, as the 'Team of the Decade,' embodied the passion, skill, and competitiveness that continue to enthrall football fans to this day.