November 11, 2024 • 9 mins
Welcome to our podcast on Super Bowl 12, a game that showcased the dominance of one of the most iconic teams in NFL history. This matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and the Denver Broncos took place on January 15, 1978, at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. As we delve into the details of this historic game, we'll explore the lead-up, the key players, the dramatic moments, and the lasting impact of what would become the Cowboys' second Super Bowl victory. The 1977 NFL season was a year of redemption for the Dallas Cowboys. After losing Super Bowl 10 to the Pittsburgh Steelers two years earlier, the Cowboys were determined to reclaim their place at the top of the NFL. Led by head coach Tom Landry, the Cowboys had built a team that combined veteran leadership with young talent, creating a formidable force on both sides of the ball. The Cowboys finished the regular season with an impressive 12 and 2 record, the best in the NFC. Their offense was a well-oiled machine, featuring a balanced attack that could beat opponents through the air or on the ground. At the helm was quarterback Roger Staubach, known as "Captain America" for his leadership and clutch performances. Staubach had a stellar season, throwing for 2,620 yards and 18 touchdowns. Staubach’s primary targets were wide receivers Drew Pearson and Tony Hill, along with tight end Billy Joe DuPree Pearson, in particular, was known for his ability to make crucial catches in big moments, earning him the nickname "Mr. Clutch." The Cowboys' running game was anchored by Tony Dorsett, a rookie sensation who rushed for 1,007 yards and 12 touchdowns in his debut season. On defense, the Cowboys boasted the famous "Doomsday Defense," led by defensive tackle Randy White and defensive end Harvey Martin. The linebacking corps featured Thomas "Hollywood" Henderson, while the secondary was anchored by safety Charlie Waters. This unit was known for its aggressive play and ability to create turnovers. The Denver Broncos, representing the AFC, were making their first Super Bowl appearance in franchise history. Led by head coach Red Miller, the Broncos had surprised many by finishing the regular season with a 12 and 2 record and defeating the defending champion Oakland Raiders in the AFC Championship game. The Broncos' offense was led by quarterback Craig Morton, who had previously played for the Cowboys and was now facing his former team in the biggest game of his career. Morton's primary targets were wide receivers Haven Moses and Jack Dolbin. The Broncos' running game was a committee approach, with Otis Armstrong and Rob Lytle sharing the workload. On defense, the Broncos boasted the "Orange Crush Defense," nicknamed for their orange uniforms and crushing style of play. This unit was led by linebacker Randy Gradishar and defensive end Lyle Alzaydough, the Broncos' defense had been crucial to their success throughout the season, often winning games despite a sometimes inconsistent offense. As game day approached, there was a sense of anticipation and excitement. The Cowboys were favored, but the Broncos' Cinderella story had captured the imagination of many fans. The stage was set for what promised to be an epic battle between two of the NFL's best teams. The game began with both teams feeling each other out. The Cowboys received the opening kickoff but were forced to punt after a quick three-and-out. The Broncos' first possession showed promise, with Morton completing a couple of passes to move the chains. However, the drive stalled, and Denver was forced to punt as well. The first score of the game came midway through the first quarter when Cowboys kicker Efren Herrera connected on a 35 yard field goal, giving Dallas a 3 to zero lead. This score was set up by a 25 yard pass from Staubach to Drew Pearson, showcasing the Cowboys' big play ability. The Broncos responded with a drive of their own, moving into Cowboys territory. However, the Dallas defense stiffened, forcing Denver to attempt a 47 yard field goal. Jim Turner's attempt fell short, keeping the score 3 to zero in favor of the Cowboys. As the second quarter began, the Cowboys started to assert their dominance. Staubach led a methodical drive down the field, mixing short passes with runs from Dorsett. The drive culminated in a 3 yard touchdown pass from Staubach to tight end Billy Joe DuPree, extending the Cowboys' lead to 10 to zero. The Broncos, feeling the pressure, tried to respond quickly. Morton attempted to go deep to Haven Moses, but Cowboys safety Charlie Waters made a spectacular leaping interception, giving Dallas the ball back in good field position. The Cowboys capitalized on this turnover with another Efren Herrera field goal, pushing their lead to 13 to zero. As halftime approached, the Broncos managed to get on the scoreboard with a 47 yard field goal from Jim Turner, making the score 13 to 3 at the break. While the Broncos had shown flashes of competitiveness, the Cowboys' experienc
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Welcome to our podcast on Super Bowl twelve, a game
that showcased the dominance of one of the most iconic
teams in NFL history. This matchup between the Dallas Cowboys
and the Denver Broncos took place on January fifteenth, nineteen
seventy eight, at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana.
As we delve into the details of this historic game,
(00:21):
we'll explore the lead up, the key players, the dramatic moments,
and the lasting impact of what would become the cowboys
second Super Bowl victory. The nineteen seventy seven NFL season
was a year of redemption for the Dallas Cowboys. After
losing Super Bowl ten to the Pittsburgh Steelers two years earlier,
the Cowboys were determined to reclaim their place at the
(00:43):
top of the NFL. Led by head coach Tom Landry,
the Cowboys had built a team that combined veteran leadership
with young talent, creating a formidable force on both sides
of the ball. The Cowboys finished the regular season with
an impressive twelve to two record, the best in the NFC.
Their offense was a well oil machine, featuring a balanced
attack that could beat opponents through the air or on
(01:03):
the ground. At the helm was quarterback Roger Staubach, known
as Captain America for his leadership and clutch performances. Staubach
had a stellar season, throwing for two thousand, one hundred
and twenty yards and eighteen touchdowns. Staubach's primary targets were
wide receivers Drew Pearson and Tony Hill. The Cowboys running
game was anchored by Tony Dorsett, a rookie sensation who
(01:26):
rushed for one thousand and seven yards and twelve touchdowns
in his debut season. On defense, the Cowboys boasted the
famous Doomsday defense led by defensive tackle Randy White and
defensive end Harvey Martin. The linebacking corps featured Thomas Hollywood Henderson,
while the secondary was anchored by safety Charlie Waters. This
(01:47):
unit was known for its aggressive play and ability to
create turnovers. The Denver Broncos, representing the AFC, were making
their first Super Bowl appearance in franchise history. Led by
head coach Red Miller, the Bronze Broncos had surprised many
by finishing the regular season with a twelve and two
record and defeating the defending champion Oakland Raiders in the
(02:07):
AFC Championship Game. The Broncos offense was led by quarterback
Craig Morton, who had previously played for the Cowboys and
was now facing his former team in the biggest game
of his career. Morton's primary targets were wide receivers Haven
Moses and Jack Dolbin. The Broncos running game was a
committee approach, with Otis Armstrong and Rob Lytel sharing the workload.
(02:28):
On defense, the Broncos boasted the Orange Crush defense, nicknamed
for their orange uniforms and crushing style of play. This
unit was led by linebacker Randy Gratischar. The Broncos defense
had been crucial to their success throughout the season, often
winning games despite a sometimes inconsistent offense. As game day approached,
(02:48):
there was a sense of anticipation and excitement. The Cowboys
were favored, but the Broncos Cinderella story had captured the
imagination of many fans. The stage was set for what
promised to be an ep battle. The game began with
both teams feeling each other out. The Cowboys received the
opening kickoff, but were forced to punt after a quick
three and out. The Broncos' first possession showed promise, with
(03:12):
Morton completing a couple of passes to move the chains. However,
the drive stalled and Denver was forced to punt as well.
The first score of the game came midway through the
first quarter when Cowboys kicker Ephren Herrera connected on a
thirty five yard field goal, giving Dallas a three to
zero lead. This score was set up by a twenty
five yard pass from Staubach to Drew Pearson, showcasing the
(03:36):
Cowboys' big playability. The Broncos responded with a drive of
their own, moving into Cowboys territory. However, the Dallas defense stiffened,
forcing Denver to attempt a forty seven yard field goal.
Jim Turner's attempt fell short, keeping the score three to
zero in favor of the Cowboys. As the second quarter began,
the Cowboys started to assert their dominance. Staubach led a
(03:59):
methodical drive down the field, mixing short passes with runs
from Dorset. The drive culminated in a three yard touchdown
pass from Staubach to tight end Billy Joe Duprie, extending
the Cowboys lead to ten to zero. The Broncos feeling
the pressure, tried to respond quickly. Morton attempted to go
deep to Haven Moses, but Cowboys safety Charlie Waters made
(04:22):
a spectacular leaping interception, giving Dallas the ball back in
good field position. The Cowboys capitalized on this turnover with
another Efren Herrera field goal, pushing their lead to thirteen
to zero. As halftime approached, the Broncos managed to get
on the scoreboard with a forty seven yard field goal
from Jim Turner, making the score thirteen to three at
(04:45):
the break. While the Broncos had shown flashes of competitiveness,
the Cowboys experience and execution were proving to be the difference.
The third quarter saw the Cowboys continue to control the game.
Their defense, in particular, was dominated the Broncos offense. Craig Morton,
under constant pressure from the Dallas pass rush, threw three
(05:06):
interceptions in the quarter. The Cowboys converted these turnovers into points,
with Tony Dorsett scoring on a three yard run in
Butch Johnson making a spectacular diving catch in the end
zone for a forty five yard touchdown reception. By the
end of the third quarter, the score was twenty seven
to ten. In favor of the Cowboys, and the game
(05:26):
was effectively over. The Broncos managed one more touchdown in
the fourth quarter, but it was too little, too late.
The final score was Dallas Cowboys twenty seven, Denver Broncos ten.
The Cowboys defense was the star of the game, forcing
eight turnovers with four interceptions and four fumble recoveries and
holding the Broncos to just one hundred and fifty six
(05:48):
total yards. The defensive dominance was so complete that for
the first and only time in Super Bowl history, two
players were named co MVPs defensive tackle Randy Wists and
defensive end Harvey Martin. Roger Staubach finished the game completing
seventeen of twenty five passes for one hundred and eighty
three yards and a touchdown. Tony Dorset rushed for sixty
(06:10):
six yards and a touchdown on fifteen carries for the Broncos.
Craig Morton had a nightmare game, completing just four of
fifteen passes for thirty nine yards and four interceptions before
being benched in the third quarter. The game was notable
for several reasons beyond the final score. It marked the
Cowboys' second Super Bowl victory cementing their status as one
(06:34):
of the premier franchises in the NFL. The dominance of
the Doomsday defense set a standard for defensive performance in
championship games that would be difficult to match for the Broncos.
While the loss was disappointing, reaching the Super Bowl was
a significant achievement for a franchise that had never before
experienced such success. It set the stage for future Broncos
(06:55):
teams that would eventually win Super Bowls of their own.
Super Bowl twelve also showcase the importance of defense and
championship football. The Cowboys' ability to create turnovers and shut
down the Broncos offense proved to be the decisive factor
in the game. This performance reinforced the old adage that
defense wins championships. The game had a lasting impact on
(07:16):
both franchises. For the Cowboys, it was another jewel in
the crown of their dynasty, further solidifying their reputation as
America's team. Players like Roger Staubach, Tony Dorsett, and Randy
White would go on to have Hall of Fame careers,
with this Super Bowl victory being a highlight for the Broncos.
The loss was a learning experience. It showed them what
(07:37):
it took to compete at the highest level and would
serve as motivation for future teams. The Orange Crush defense
would remain a source of pride for Denver fans for
years to come. As we look back on Super Bowl
twelve from our vantage point today, its significance in the
history of professional football is clear. It was a showcase
for one of the most dominant defensive performances in Super
(07:58):
Bowl history, for the Dallas Cowboys as one of the
greatest teams of the nineteen seventies, and a stepping stone
for the Denver Broncos franchise. The game serves as a
reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports. Despite all the
analysis and predictions, once the players take the field, anything
can happen. The Cowboys dominant performance, particularly on defense, demonstrates
(08:21):
the importance of rising to the occasion in the biggest moments.
In conclusion, Super Bowl twelve stands as a pivotal moment
in NFL history. It was a game that showcased the
talents of future Hall of famers like Roger Staubach, Tony Dorset,
and Randy White. It demonstrated the importance of a balanced team,
(08:42):
with the Cowboys excelling on both offense and defense, and
it set the stage for the continued success of the
Cowboys franchise while also marking the arrival of the Broncos
as a force to be reckoned with in the AFC.
From the cowboys suffocating defense to Roger Staubach's official quarterback play,
from Tony Dorset's explosive runs, to the broncos valiant effort
(09:05):
in the face of overwhelming odds, Super Bowl twelve provided
moments that would be remembered and discussed for decades to come.
Thank you for joining us on this journey back to
Super Bowl twelve, a game that proved that sometimes the
most dominant performances come not from flashy plays or individual heroics,
but from a team executing a perfect game plan with
(09:25):
ruthless efficiency. The nineteen seventy seven Dallas Cowboys may not
have been the most talented team in NFL history, but
on that January day in New Orleans, they put on
a display of football excellence that still resonates in NFL history.
Welcome to our podcast on Super Bowl twelve, a game
that showcased the dominance of one of the most iconic
teams in NFL history. This matchup between the Dallas Cowboys
and the Denver Broncos took place on January fifteenth, nineteen
seventy eight, at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana.
As we delve into the details of this historic game,
(00:21):
we'll explore the lead up, the key players, the dramatic moments,
and the lasting impact of what would become the cowboys
second Super Bowl victory. The nineteen seventy seven NFL season
was a year of redemption for the Dallas Cowboys. After
losing Super Bowl ten to the Pittsburgh Steelers two years earlier,
the Cowboys were determined to reclaim their place at the
(00:43):
top of the NFL. Led by head coach Tom Landry,
the Cowboys had built a team that combined veteran leadership
with young talent, creating a formidable force on both sides
of the ball. The Cowboys finished the regular season with
an impressive twelve to two record, the best in the NFC.
Their offense was a well oil machine, featuring a balanced
attack that could beat opponents through the air or on
(01:03):
the ground. At the helm was quarterback Roger Staubach, known
as Captain America for his leadership and clutch performances. Staubach
had a stellar season, throwing for two thousand, one hundred
and twenty yards and eighteen touchdowns. Staubach's primary targets were
wide receivers Drew Pearson and Tony Hill. The Cowboys running
game was anchored by Tony Dorsett, a rookie sensation who
(01:26):
rushed for one thousand and seven yards and twelve touchdowns
in his debut season. On defense, the Cowboys boasted the
famous Doomsday defense led by defensive tackle Randy White and
defensive end Harvey Martin. The linebacking corps featured Thomas Hollywood Henderson,
while the secondary was anchored by safety Charlie Waters. This
(01:47):
unit was known for its aggressive play and ability to
create turnovers. The Denver Broncos, representing the AFC, were making
their first Super Bowl appearance in franchise history. Led by
head coach Red Miller, the Bronze Broncos had surprised many
by finishing the regular season with a twelve and two
record and defeating the defending champion Oakland Raiders in the
(02:07):
AFC Championship Game. The Broncos offense was led by quarterback
Craig Morton, who had previously played for the Cowboys and
was now facing his former team in the biggest game
of his career. Morton's primary targets were wide receivers Haven
Moses and Jack Dolbin. The Broncos running game was a
committee approach, with Otis Armstrong and Rob Lytel sharing the workload.
(02:28):
On defense, the Broncos boasted the Orange Crush defense, nicknamed
for their orange uniforms and crushing style of play. This
unit was led by linebacker Randy Gratischar. The Broncos defense
had been crucial to their success throughout the season, often
winning games despite a sometimes inconsistent offense. As game day approached,
(02:48):
there was a sense of anticipation and excitement. The Cowboys
were favored, but the Broncos Cinderella story had captured the
imagination of many fans. The stage was set for what
promised to be an ep battle. The game began with
both teams feeling each other out. The Cowboys received the
opening kickoff, but were forced to punt after a quick
three and out. The Broncos' first possession showed promise, with
(03:12):
Morton completing a couple of passes to move the chains. However,
the drive stalled and Denver was forced to punt as well.
The first score of the game came midway through the
first quarter when Cowboys kicker Ephren Herrera connected on a
thirty five yard field goal, giving Dallas a three to
zero lead. This score was set up by a twenty
five yard pass from Staubach to Drew Pearson, showcasing the
(03:36):
Cowboys' big playability. The Broncos responded with a drive of
their own, moving into Cowboys territory. However, the Dallas defense stiffened,
forcing Denver to attempt a forty seven yard field goal.
Jim Turner's attempt fell short, keeping the score three to
zero in favor of the Cowboys. As the second quarter began,
the Cowboys started to assert their dominance. Staubach led a
(03:59):
methodical drive down the field, mixing short passes with runs
from Dorset. The drive culminated in a three yard touchdown
pass from Staubach to tight end Billy Joe Duprie, extending
the Cowboys lead to ten to zero. The Broncos feeling
the pressure, tried to respond quickly. Morton attempted to go
deep to Haven Moses, but Cowboys safety Charlie Waters made
(04:22):
a spectacular leaping interception, giving Dallas the ball back in
good field position. The Cowboys capitalized on this turnover with
another Efren Herrera field goal, pushing their lead to thirteen
to zero. As halftime approached, the Broncos managed to get
on the scoreboard with a forty seven yard field goal
from Jim Turner, making the score thirteen to three at
(04:45):
the break. While the Broncos had shown flashes of competitiveness,
the Cowboys experience and execution were proving to be the difference.
The third quarter saw the Cowboys continue to control the game.
Their defense, in particular, was dominated the Broncos offense. Craig Morton,
under constant pressure from the Dallas pass rush, threw three
(05:06):
interceptions in the quarter. The Cowboys converted these turnovers into points,
with Tony Dorsett scoring on a three yard run in
Butch Johnson making a spectacular diving catch in the end
zone for a forty five yard touchdown reception. By the
end of the third quarter, the score was twenty seven
to ten. In favor of the Cowboys, and the game
(05:26):
was effectively over. The Broncos managed one more touchdown in
the fourth quarter, but it was too little, too late.
The final score was Dallas Cowboys twenty seven, Denver Broncos ten.
The Cowboys defense was the star of the game, forcing
eight turnovers with four interceptions and four fumble recoveries and
holding the Broncos to just one hundred and fifty six
(05:48):
total yards. The defensive dominance was so complete that for
the first and only time in Super Bowl history, two
players were named co MVPs defensive tackle Randy Wists and
defensive end Harvey Martin. Roger Staubach finished the game completing
seventeen of twenty five passes for one hundred and eighty
three yards and a touchdown. Tony Dorset rushed for sixty
(06:10):
six yards and a touchdown on fifteen carries for the Broncos.
Craig Morton had a nightmare game, completing just four of
fifteen passes for thirty nine yards and four interceptions before
being benched in the third quarter. The game was notable
for several reasons beyond the final score. It marked the
Cowboys' second Super Bowl victory cementing their status as one
(06:34):
of the premier franchises in the NFL. The dominance of
the Doomsday defense set a standard for defensive performance in
championship games that would be difficult to match for the Broncos.
While the loss was disappointing, reaching the Super Bowl was
a significant achievement for a franchise that had never before
experienced such success. It set the stage for future Broncos
(06:55):
teams that would eventually win Super Bowls of their own.
Super Bowl twelve also showcase the importance of defense and
championship football. The Cowboys' ability to create turnovers and shut
down the Broncos offense proved to be the decisive factor
in the game. This performance reinforced the old adage that
defense wins championships. The game had a lasting impact on
(07:16):
both franchises. For the Cowboys, it was another jewel in
the crown of their dynasty, further solidifying their reputation as
America's team. Players like Roger Staubach, Tony Dorsett, and Randy
White would go on to have Hall of Fame careers,
with this Super Bowl victory being a highlight for the Broncos.
The loss was a learning experience. It showed them what
(07:37):
it took to compete at the highest level and would
serve as motivation for future teams. The Orange Crush defense
would remain a source of pride for Denver fans for
years to come. As we look back on Super Bowl
twelve from our vantage point today, its significance in the
history of professional football is clear. It was a showcase
for one of the most dominant defensive performances in Super
(07:58):
Bowl history, for the Dallas Cowboys as one of the
greatest teams of the nineteen seventies, and a stepping stone
for the Denver Broncos franchise. The game serves as a
reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports. Despite all the
analysis and predictions, once the players take the field, anything
can happen. The Cowboys dominant performance, particularly on defense, demonstrates
(08:21):
the importance of rising to the occasion in the biggest moments.
In conclusion, Super Bowl twelve stands as a pivotal moment
in NFL history. It was a game that showcased the
talents of future Hall of famers like Roger Staubach, Tony Dorset,
and Randy White. It demonstrated the importance of a balanced team,
(08:42):
with the Cowboys excelling on both offense and defense, and
it set the stage for the continued success of the
Cowboys franchise while also marking the arrival of the Broncos
as a force to be reckoned with in the AFC.
From the cowboys suffocating defense to Roger Staubach's official quarterback play,
from Tony Dorset's explosive runs, to the broncos valiant effort
(09:05):
in the face of overwhelming odds, Super Bowl twelve provided
moments that would be remembered and discussed for decades to come.
Thank you for joining us on this journey back to
Super Bowl twelve, a game that proved that sometimes the
most dominant performances come not from flashy plays or individual heroics,
but from a team executing a perfect game plan with
(09:25):
ruthless efficiency. The nineteen seventy seven Dallas Cowboys may not
have been the most talented team in NFL history, but
on that January day in New Orleans, they put on
a display of football excellence that still resonates in NFL history.
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