Led by MVP Roger Staubach and the “Doomsday Defense,” the Cowboys dismantled the Miami Dolphins 24-3, setting a record for the fewest points allowed that would stand for nearly half a century (recently tied in Super Bowl LIII when the Patriots held the Rams to three points).
The Rivalry Years: Trials Against the Steelers
The late ‘70s saw Dallas engage in a legendary trilogy against the Pittsburgh Steelers. In Super Bowl X (1976), the Cowboys entered as the first-ever wild-card team to reach the title game. They held a 10-7 lead through three quarters, but a 64-yard touchdown catch by Steelers MVP Lynn Swann shifted the momentum and gave Pittsburgh a 21-17 lead. A late rally fell short when Staubach was picked off in the end zone as time expired.
They climbed back to the mountaintop in Super Bowl XII (1978) with a 27-10 win over the Denver Broncos. The Doomsday Defense unleashed on the Broncos, forcing eight turnovers. Broncos quarterback (and former Cowboys quarterback) Craig Morton only completed eight passes the entire game. Once again, the Cowboys made Super Bowl trivia history by having the first and only co-MVPs with defensive stars Randy White and Harvey Martin taking home the honors. It was also the first Super Bowl played in a domed stadium (the Louisiana Superdome).
Sadly, the decade ended in disappointment when the Cowboys again faced the Steelers in Super Bowl XIII (1979), and again lost, this time in a 35-31 high-scoring affair. This game featured 17 future Hall of Famers on the field. Dallas trailed for most of the second half, and the game was riddled with several “what if” moments, most memorable being the costly dropped touchdown in the end zone by tight end Jackie Smith. Despite scoring two late touchdowns, the Cowboys came up short and became the first defending champion to lose the Super Bowl after scoring 30 or more points.
The ‘90s Dynasty: Triplets and Triumphs
After a championship drought, the ‘90s heralded a new era of dominance, marking the return of America’s Team. The Cowboys forced a Super Bowl record nine turnovers to dismantle the Bills.