For punning purposes, the Dallas Cowboys should really play in the NFC West. Sadly they don’t, so we have to say that the Cowboys conquered the East.
The Cowboys have had a rough ride of it. “America’s Team” has somehow become the underdog, following years (or decades) of gridiron heartache. Tonight will see the Cowboys ride into the divisional round of the playoffs. The same place their 2014 and 2016 seasons ended at the hands of the Green Bay Packers. However this time, their kryptonite is watching from the sofa, as they take on the suddenly fantastic LA Rams.
Will the Cowboys beat the best in the west and finally make it back to the NFC Championship game? Or will Sunday be the start of their next season?We’ll just have to wait and see, but in the meantime, here are five games which helped shaped the former dynasty we love to hate:
Vs. Miami Dolphins: Giving America a Taste of Things to Come
The five-time Super Bowl kings had to start somewhere, and they started in Super Bowl VI. The Cowboys were previously recognised as gridiron elite, who simply fell short during post-season. In 1971, “next year’s champions”, decided that year had arrived when they steamrolled their way through the season, racking up a seemingly easy 11-3 record. With many still expecting them to choke in the big game, Hall of Fame quarterback Roger Staubach led his ‘Boys to a sweeping 24-3 victory over the Miami Dophins.
Vs. Minnesota Vikings: Proud Mary!
As any Madden player knows, the Hail Mary pass can be a Godsend (pun intended) or disaster. For the Cowboys, it was the former. Long before Aaron Rodgers was slinging them all over the place, “Captain Comeback” Staubach launched the play in to NFL folklore. Putting the ‘wild’ in to wild card, he closed his eyes, threw the ball, and said a Hail Mary. Drew Pearson answered his prayer, and the win sent the boys on to yet another championship.
Vs. Denver Broncos: The Original Legion of Boom
Super Bowl XII was the era’s most watched sporting event, with an unprecedented 102,010,000 viewers, all tuning in to see Cowboys riding Broncos to victory. The win was undoubtedly to the credit of their infamous “Doomsday Defense” (sound familiar?) with Randy White being the first defensive lineman to be named Super Bowl MVP.
Vs. Buffalo Bills: Generation D
The 1980’s saw the Cowboys fall to the bottom of the NFL food chain. However, the 1990’s spawned Generation D, and the dynasty was reborn. The ‘Boys returned to the spotlight with a staggering 52-17 Super Bowl XXVII victory against the Bills. It was the comeback which kept coming; as they went on to dominate the decade.
Vs. Washington: History Rewritten
Thanksgiving means two things: turkey and Cowboys’ football. With a 6-0 Thanksgiving record against Washington, many believed that the significance of the day would inspire them to another painfully ironic win. …Not this time. “America’s team” fell 38-31, leaving fans wondering if the saga was finally finished.
One more thing: I’m no Cowboys fan, but I still think Dez caught it.
