The Rise of America's Team and the Steelers' Dominance
In the turbulent yet exhilarating times of the 1970s, two NFL franchises emerged as powerhouses, etching their names into football history. The Dallas Cowboys, under the moniker of "America's Team," and the Pittsburgh Steelers, recognized as the 'Team of the Decade,' both dominated the sport, creating a rivalry that fans still reminisce about today.
The Cowboys earned their famous title in 1979, bestowed upon them by NFL Films, and for good reason. With a roster brimming with talent and charisma, they captivated the nation. However, despite their flair and determination, the 1970s saw the Cowboys winning two Super Bowls but also experiencing the bitter taste of close defeats.
The Steelers, on the other hand, were a behemoth of experience and sheer grit. Their defensive prowess led to the NFL implementing rule changes in 1978 to curb their dominance. Ironically, these changes only bolstered Pittsburgh's offensive machinery. Terry Bradshaw ascended to the pinnacle of his career, earning the league MVP title in 1978.
Classic Clashes on the Big Stage
The rivalry between the Steelers and the Cowboys saw its peak in two notable Super Bowl showdowns. Super Bowl X and Super Bowl XIII were epic battles that underscored the tension and competitive spirit between these two teams. In Super Bowl X, Pittsburgh triumphed with a 21-17 victory, highlighted by Lynn Swann's memorable 64-yard touchdown catch and a defensive stand that included an end-zone interception by Dallas as time expired. The Cowboys' heartbreak was palpable as they saw victory snatched away in the final moments.
Super Bowl XIII was another nail-biter, and it remains significant as the first Super Bowl featuring two teams that had previously won multiple championships. Initially, the Cowboys took control, but Pittsburgh's offensive barrage, led by Bradshaw, shifted the momentum. The Steelers eventually secured a 35-31 victory, despite Roger Staubach's heroic efforts with two late scoring drives.
Ed "Too Tall" Jones, a stalwart defensive player for the Cowboys, reflected on these gut-wrenching losses. "That Pittsburgh team had nothing but veterans on both sides of the ball. Nothing but veterans. 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," Jones recalled. His reflections underscore the thin margin between victory and defeat that defined these classic encounters.
Moments of Controversy and Triumph
The intensity of Super Bowl XIII was not without its controversies. A pass interference call against Benny Barnes led directly to a Franco Harris touchdown, a moment that still sparks debate among fans. Yet Jones was not one to dwell on grievances. "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," he remarked, attributing the narrow defeats to the Steelers' seasoned roster.
Despite the setbacks, there were still moments of brilliance for the Cowboys. Their victory in Super Bowl XII against the Denver Broncos showcased their resilience and talent. The addition of running back Tony Dorsett in 1977 further bolstered their offensive lineup, making them a formidable force on the field.
Legacy and Reflections
The contributions of players like Ed "Too Tall" Jones to the Cowboys' legacy cannot be understated. Over his illustrious 15-year career, Jones recorded an impressive 106 sacks. Today, he continues to inspire, promoting mobility aids like Sportcane. Reflecting on his daily life, he shared, "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."
The 1970s were a defining decade for both the Dallas Cowboys and the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Cowboys might have been "America's Team," but the Steelers, with their blend of veteran savvy and relentless determination, claimed the title of the 'Team of the Decade.' Together, their rivalry and the epic games they produced will forever be etched in the annals of NFL history.