The Rise and Rivalry of America's Team and the Steelers in the 1970s
The Dallas Cowboys have long been known as "America's Team," a moniker that was bestowed upon them in 1979 by NFL Films. This nickname came during a remarkable era for the Cowboys, as they were one of the dominant forces in professional football throughout the 1970s. However, their greatness was paralleled and often overshadowed by the Pittsburgh Steelers, the team recognized as the 'Team of the Decade' during that time.
The fierce rivalry between the Cowboys and the Steelers led to several epic showdowns on football's biggest stage—the Super Bowl. The Cowboys secured two Super Bowl titles during the decade, but it was the Steeler's ironclad defense and explosive offense that gained the upper hand in their head-to-head matchups, defeating the Cowboys in Super Bowl X and Super Bowl XIII.
Super Bowl Showdowns
In Super Bowl X, Pittsburgh's resilience shone through as they scored four consecutive times in the fourth quarter to clinch a 21-17 victory. The game featured a dazzling 64-yard touchdown pass caught by Lynn Swann and a critical end-zone interception by Dallas that epitomized their never-say-die spirit.
Three years later, Super Bowl XIII brought these titans together once more. It was the first Super Bowl featuring two teams that had previously won multiple championships. The Cowboys initially seized the lead only to be overwhelmed by Pittsburgh's offensive juggernaut. Despite Roger Staubach's heroic efforts, including two late scoring drives, Dallas fell short with a final score of 35-31.
Ed "Too Tall" Jones, one of the revered defensive players for the Cowboys, reflected on the narrow losses and the experience disparity between the teams, saying, "That Pittsburgh team had nothing but veterans on both sides of the ball. 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."
Game-Changing Moments
Super Bowl XIII was also marked by several pivotal moments. Jackie Smith's dropped touchdown pass and a controversial pass interference call against Benny Barnes that led to a Franco Harris touchdown were turning points. Jones commented on the officiating, noting, "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."
Strategies and Key Players
The era's strategic shifts further framed the Cowboys-Steelers rivalry. NFL rule changes in 1978, intended to counter the Steelers' defensive dominance, paradoxically enhanced Pittsburgh’s offensive firepower. This resulted in Terry Bradshaw earning the league MVP title that year. Meanwhile, the Cowboys bolstered their roster with key additions like running back Tony Dorsett in 1977, fortifying a team that had already achieved monumental success.
Moreover, players like Ed "Too Tall" Jones, who recorded 106 sacks over his illustrious 15-year career, left an indelible mark on the game. His post-football life includes promoting mobility aids like Sportcane, underscoring his enduring influence on and off the field. "Just my daily activities, it makes all the difference in the world," Jones remarked about the aids. "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."
Legacy of the Seventies
Though it may be debated which team was superior, the Cowboys and Steelers undeniably set the gold standard for excellence in the NFL during the 1970s. Each franchise's legacy from that era is etched not only in championship trophies but also in the memories of their battles on the field. The Cowboys' resilience and the Steelers' veteran prowess encapsulated an unforgettable decade of football that continues to resonate with fans and players alike.
Ultimately, the "America's Team" of the Dallas Cowboys and the dominant Steelers of the 1970s will forever be linked in the annals of NFL history. Their rivalry, highlighted by intense Super Bowl clashes and defined by gridiron greatness, remains a testament to the competitive spirit and enduring allure of professional football.