The legacy of the Dallas Cowboys and the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1970s is one of the most storied rivalries in NFL history. One of the pivotal moments in this rivalry came in 1979, when NFL Films bestowed upon the Cowboys the moniker "America's Team." This title came on the heels of a decade where both teams solidified their places at the top of professional football, achieving multiple Super Bowl triumphs and enduring memorable clashes on the field.
Cowboys as "America's Team"
In the 1970s, the Dallas Cowboys secured two Super Bowl victories. Yet, despite this success, they experienced heart-wrenching losses in three other Super Bowls, with a combined margin of just 11 points. This roller-coaster run underscored the competitive nature of the era and the fine margins that separated victory from defeat.
Ed "Too Tall" Jones, a defensive stalwart for the Cowboys, vividly recalls the difficulties faced by the team in those hard-fought battles against the Pittsburgh Steelers. "That Pittsburgh team had nothing but veterans on both sides of the ball. Nothing but veterans," Jones remarked. "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."
The Steel Curtain vs. America's Team
The Steelers, with their renowned "Steel Curtain" defense and a balanced offense led by Terry Bradshaw, emerged as the dominant force of the decade, earning the title of 'Team of the Decade.' Their rivalry with the Cowboys is etched in NFL lore, with Super Bowls X and XIII serving as prime examples of their intense matchups.
Super Bowl X saw the Steelers defeat the Cowboys 21-17, a game marked by Pittsburgh's four consecutive scoring drives in the fourth quarter and a spectacular 64-yard touchdown catch by Lynn Swann. Dallas had a chance to seize victory, but a last-second end-zone interception extinguished their hopes.
In Super Bowl XIII, the first Super Bowl featuring two teams that had each previously won multiple championships, the Cowboys initially seized the lead. However, Pittsburgh's offensive might soon turned the tide. Despite a valiant effort by Roger Staubach, who orchestrated two late scoring drives, the Cowboys fell short, losing 35-31. The game also featured pivotal moments like Jackie Smith's infamous dropped touchdown pass and a contentious pass interference call against Benny Barnes, which led to a Franco Harris touchdown.
"You mention Benny Barnes and those calls," Jones reflected, "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."
Key Figures and Moments
Ed "Too Tall" Jones played a significant role in the Cowboys' defense, recording an impressive 106 sacks over his 15-year career. Alongside him, running back Tony Dorsett, added to the roster in 1977, brought a new dynamic to the team's offense.
The Steelers, meanwhile, benefitted from a series of rule changes in 1978, initially designed to curb their defensive dominance. Ironically, these changes ended up enhancing their offensive capabilities, culminating in Terry Bradshaw earning the league MVP title that year.
"I was proud of the way we hung in there against a veteran team, because experience in big games is very important. Very important," Jones noted, emphasizing the youth of the Cowboys team compared to the battle-hardened Steelers.
The Lasting Impact
Today, Jones remains a respected figure, promoting mobility aids like Sportcane, which he credits for helping maintain his active lifestyle. "Just my daily activities, it makes all the difference in the world," he said. "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 intense rivalry between the Cowboys and Steelers in the 1970s not only defined an era of football excellence but also left an indelible mark on the NFL's history. As "America's Team," the Cowboys encapsulated the spirit of resilience and competition, while the Steelers, with their decorated roster, set the benchmark for success. Their clashes remain a testament to a golden age of football that fans and players alike still celebrate today.