America's Team and Their 1970s Rivalry with the Pittsburgh Steelers
In the annals of NFL history, few rivalries have garnered as much attention and significance as the fierce competition between the Dallas Cowboys and the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 1970s. Dubbed "America's Team" in 1979 by NFL Films, the Cowboys carved out a prominent place in American sports culture with their impressive performances and star-studded roster, including legends like Roger Staubach and Tony Dorsett, who joined the team in 1977.
The Cowboys' glory days in the 1970s were punctuated by two Super Bowl victories and three heart-wrenching losses, all by a combined 11 points. The Steelers, meanwhile, earned the title of 'Team of the Decade' with their own dominance, including decisive victories over the Cowboys in two of those Super Bowls. The rivalry between these two franchises came to epitomize the grit and drama of NFL football.
One of the most memorable clashes between these titans occurred in Super Bowl X. The game was a nail-biting affair, with Pittsburgh sealing the victory 21-17. The Steelers' triumph was marked by an extraordinary fourth quarter where they scored consecutively four times. Among the standout moments was Lynn Swann’s spectacular 64-yard touchdown catch. Yet, in a testament to the Cowboys' resilience, they had a chance to clinch the game with an end-zone interception as time expired.
In Super Bowl XIII, the stage was set for another epic contest. This showdown marked the first time two teams, each with multiple previous championships, faced off. The Cowboys initially took the lead, but Pittsburgh’s offensive barrage soon shifted the momentum. Despite the Steelers' dominance, Roger Staubach led two late scoring drives, showcasing his unyielding determination. However, notable incidents like Jackie Smith's heartbreaking dropped touchdown pass and the controversial pass interference call against Benny Barnes, which set up a crucial Franco Harris score, tilted the scales in Pittsburgh's favor. The Steelers triumphed 35-31, making it clear how razor-thin the margins for victory were in these encounters.
Reflecting on the fierce rivalry, Ed "Too Tall" Jones, a key defensive player for the Cowboys who amassed an impressive 106 sacks during his 15-year career, noted the difference in experience between the two teams. "That Pittsburgh team had nothing but veterans on both sides of the ball. Nothing but veterans. We were a very young team both times," Jones reminisced. "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 also acknowledged the impact of controversial officiating decisions but maintained a fair perspective: "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 NFL landscape at the time was undergoing significant changes. Rule modifications in 1978 intended to hinder defensive prowess ironically played to the Steelers' advantage, bolstering their already formidable offense. That year, Terry Bradshaw was named league MVP, underlining the potent offensive force Pittsburgh had become.
Despite the heartache of narrowly missed opportunities, the Cowboys' 1970s legacy remains undiminished. Their victory in Super Bowl XII against the Denver Broncos and the influx of talent, such as Tony Dorsett, cemented their status as a powerhouse. Beyond the gridiron, Jones has continued to make an impact, promoting mobility aids like the Sportcane. "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," Jones shared.
The 1970s Dallas Cowboys, labeled fittingly as "America's Team," left an indelible mark on NFL history. Their storied rivalry with the Pittsburgh Steelers highlighted the extraordinary talents and intense competition of the era, setting a gold standard for future generations of football fans and players alike.