The Legacy of the 1970s Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers Rivalry
In the annals of NFL history, few rivalries are as storied as that between the Dallas Cowboys and the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 1970s. Dubbed "America's Team" in 1979 by NFL Films, the Cowboys of that era were a force to be reckoned with. Despite their impressive achievements, capturing two Super Bowl titles in the decade, they found themselves repeatedly tested by the Steelers.
Both teams left an indelible mark on the 1970s, with their clashes shaping the landscape of professional football. The Cowboys, despite their successes, faced heartbreak in three other Super Bowl appearances, losing by a combined 11 points. Two of these defeats came at the hands of the Steelers, a team that would be immortalized as the ‘Team of the Decade.’
Super Bowl Clashes: A Tale of Near Misses
Super Bowl X in 1976 and Super Bowl XIII in 1979 were pivotal moments in this storied rivalry. The Steelers triumphed in both encounters, each game punctuated by drama and fierce competition. In Super Bowl X, Pittsburgh secured a 21-17 victory, marked by an explosive fourth quarter where they scored four consecutive times. Lynn Swann’s iconic 64-yard touchdown catch remains etched in football lore, while Dallas's valiant efforts ended with a thwarted end-zone interception as time expired.
Three years later, the stage was set once again in Super Bowl XIII, the first Championship game between two teams with multiple titles under their belts. The Cowboys initially seized the lead, but Pittsburgh's relentless offensive surge turned the tide. “Roger Staubach had the ball driving [late] in those games,” recalled Ed “Too Tall” Jones, emphasizing the narrow margins of their defeats.
The Anatomy of Near Victories
Jones’s reflections on these monumental clashes speak volumes about the nature of the rivalry. “That Pittsburgh team had nothing but veterans on both sides of the ball,” he noted. "We were a very young team both times, when they beat us in '75 and when they beat us in '78." Experience, as Jones highlighted, played a crucial role in these high-stakes games. Despite their youth, the Cowboys displayed remarkable tenacity. “I was proud of the way we hung in there against a veteran team, because experience in big games is very important. Very important.”
Super Bowl XIII, in particular, was a roller coaster of emotions. The Cowboys fought hard, with Staubach orchestrating two late scoring drives. However, key moments turned the game in Pittsburgh’s favor. Jackie Smith’s dropped touchdown pass and a controversial pass interference call against Benny Barnes leading to a Franco Harris touchdown were pivotal. Reflecting on the calls, Jones remarked, "Even though every controversial call went against Dallas, but throw that to the side. The difference was experience."
The 1970s Cowboys: Building a Legacy
Off the field, the Cowboys continued to evolve. The addition of running back Tony Dorsett to the roster in 1977 bolstered their offensive unit. Defensive stalwart Ed "Too Tall" Jones, known for his towering presence, recorded an impressive 106 sacks over his 15-year career. The team’s resilience and adaptability were tested by the NFL rule changes in 1978, intended to counteract the Steelers' defensive dominance. Ironically, these changes ended up enhancing Pittsburgh’s offense further, with Terry Bradshaw earning the league MVP title that year.
Despite these adjustments, Dallas continued to excel. Their victory in Super Bowl XII against the Denver Broncos remains a testament to their skill and perseverance. As Jones later transitioned into promoting mobility aids like Sportcane, his reflections on the game underscore the enduring impact of that era. “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.”
Conclusion
The 1970s were a transformative period for the Dallas Cowboys and the Pittsburgh Steelers, marked by titanic struggles and iconic moments. While the Cowboys garnered the moniker "America's Team," the Steelers’ experience and resilience were often the deciding factors in their head-to-head encounters. Through triumphs and heartbreaks, the legacy of these two teams continues to resonate in the history of the NFL.