November 11, 2024 • 10 mins
Welcome to our podcast on Super Bowl 13, a game that would go down in history as one of the most thrilling and star-studded championship matchups in NFL history. This contest between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys took place on January 21, 1979, at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida. 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 many consider to be one of the greatest Super Bowls ever played. The 1978 NFL season was a year of dominance for both the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys. These two teams had established themselves as the premier franchises of the 1970s, and their meeting in Super Bowl 13 was seen as a clash of titans. The Steelers, led by head coach Chuck Noll, were seeking their third Super Bowl title in five years, while the Cowboys, under the guidance of legendary coach Tom Landry, were the defending champions and looking to cement their status as "America's Team. “The Steelers finished the regular season with a 14 and 2 record, the best in the NFL. 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 Terry Bradshaw, who was having the best season of his career. Bradshaw had thrown for 2,915 yards and 28 touchdowns during the regular season, establishing himself as one of the league's premier passers. Bradshaw’s primary targets were wide receivers Lynn Swann and John Stallworth, both of whom would go on to have Hall of Fame careers. The Steelers' running game was anchored by Franco Harris, another future Hall of Famer, who had rushed for 1,082 yards and 8 touchdowns during the regular season. Harris was complemented by Rocky Bleier, a reliable back known for his toughness and clutch performances. On defense, the Steelers boasted their famous "Steel Curtain" defense, led by defensive tackle "Mean" Joe Greene. The linebacking corps featured Jack Ham and Jack Lambert, while the secondary was anchored by Mel Blount. This unit had allowed only 195 points during the regular season, the fewest in the NFL. The Dallas Cowboys, meanwhile, had finished the regular season with a 12 and 4 record and were the defending Super Bowl champions. Their offense was led by quarterback Roger Staubach, known as "Captain Comeback" for his ability to lead late-game rallies. Staubach's favorite target was Drew Pearson, while the running game was spearheaded by Tony Dorsett, who had rushed for 1,325 yards and 8 touchdowns during the regular season. The Cowboys' defense, nicknamed the "Doomsday Defense," was equally formidable. It featured players like Randy White, Harvey Martin, and Ed "Too Tall" Jones on the defensive line, with Thomas "Hollywood" Henderson at linebacker and Cliff Harris in the secondary. As game day approached, the stage was set for what promised to be an epic battle between two of the NFL's best teams. The Steelers were slight favorites, but many expected a close, competitive game between these two powerhouses. The game began with both teams feeling each other out. The Steelers received the opening kickoff but were forced to punt after a quick three-and-out. The Cowboys' first possession showed promise, with Staubach completing a couple of passes to move the chains. However, the drive stalled, and Dallas was forced to punt as well. The first score of the game came midway through the first quarter when Steelers kicker Roy Gerela connected on a 37-yard field goal, giving Pittsburgh a 3-0 lead. This score was set up by a 38-yard pass from Bradshaw to John Stallworth, showcasing the Steelers' big-play ability. The Cowboys responded quickly, putting together a drive that culminated in a 39-yard touchdown pass from Staubach to Tony Hill. This gave Dallas a 7 to 3 lead and sent a message that they were ready to compete with the favored Steelers. As the second quarter began, the Steelers started to assert their dominance. Bradshaw led a methodical drive down the field, mixing short passes with runs from Harris and Bleier. The drive culminated in a 28-yard touchdown pass from Bradshaw to John Stallworth, giving the Steelers a 14 to 7 lead. The Cowboys, feeling the pressure, tried to respond quickly. However, disaster struck when Staubach's pass was intercepted by Steelers linebacker Jack Lambert, giving Pittsburgh excellent field position. The Steelers capitalized on this turnover with another touchdown, this time a 7 yard run by Franco Harris, extending their lead to 21 to 7. Just when it seemed the Steelers might run away with the game, the Cowboys showed their resilience. Staubach led a quick drive down the field, connecting with tight end Jackie Smith in the end zone for what should have been a touchdown. However, in one of the most infamous plays in Super Bowl history, Smith dropped the wide-open pass. The Cowboys had to settle for a field goal, making the score 21-10 at halfti
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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 thirteen, a game
that would go down in history, is one of the
most thrilling and star studded championship matchups in NFL history.
This contest between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys
took place on January twenty first, nineteen seventy nine, at
the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida. As we delve into
(00:20):
the details of this historic game, we'll explore the lead up,
the key players, the dramatic moments, and the lasting impact
of what many considered to be one of the greatest
Super Bowls ever played. The nineteen seventy eight NFL season
was a year of dominance for both the Pittsburgh Steelers
and the Dallas Cowboys. These two teams had established themselves
(00:41):
as the premier franchises of the nineteen seventies, and their
meeting in Super Bowl thirteen was seen as a clash
of titans. The Steelers, led by head coach Chuck Knowle,
were seeking their third Super Bowl title in five years,
while the Cowboys, under the guidance of legendary coach Tom Landry,
were the defending champions and looking to cement their status
(01:02):
as America's team. The Steelers finished the regular season with
a fourteen to two record, the best in the NFL.
Their offense was a well oiled machine, featuring a balance
attack that could beat opponents through the air or on
the ground. At the helm was quarterback Terry Bradshaw, who
was having the best season of his career. Bradshaw's primary
targets were wide receivers Lynn Swan and John Stalworth, both
(01:25):
of whom would go on to have Hall of Fame careers.
The Steelers running game was anchored by Franco Harris, another
future Hall of Famer. Harris was complimented by Rocky Blier,
a reliable back known for his toughness and clutch performances.
On defense, the Steelers boasted their famous Steel Curtain defense,
led by defensive tackle mean Joe Green. The linebacking corps
(01:45):
featured Jack Ham and Jack Lambert, while the secondary was
anchored by Mel Blount. This unit had allowed only one
hundred ninety five points during the regular season, the fewest
in the NFL. The Dallas Cowboys, meanwhile, had finished the
regular season with a twelve to four record and were
the defending Super Bowl champions. Their offense was led by
quarterback Roger Staubach, known as Captain Comeback for his ability
(02:09):
to lead late game rallies. Staubach's favorite target was Drew Pearson,
while the running game was spearheaded by Tony Dorsett. The
Cowboys defense, nicknamed the Doomsday Defense, was equally formidable. It
featured players like Randy White, Harvey Martin, and ed two
Tall Jones on the defensive line, with Thomas Hollywood Henderson
(02:31):
at linebacker and Cliff Harris in the secondary. As game
day approached, the stage was set for what promised to
be an epic battle between two of the NFL's best teams.
The Steelers were slight favorites, but many expected a close,
competitive game between these two powerhouses. The game began with
both teams feeling each other out. The Steelers received the
(02:51):
opening kickoff, but were forced to punt after a quick
three and out. The Cowboys first possession showed promise, with
Staubach complete a couple of passes to move the chains. However,
the drive stalled and Dallas was forced to punt as well.
The first score of the game came midway through the
first quarter when Steelers kicker Roy Jirella connected on a
(03:13):
thirty seven yard field goal, giving Pittsburgh a three nail lead.
This score was set up by a thirty eight yard
pass from Bradshaw to John Stalworth, showcasing the Steelers big playability.
The Cowboys responded quickly, putting together a drive that culminated
in a thirty nine yard touchdown pass from Staubach to
Tony Hill. This gave Dallas a seven to three lead
(03:34):
and sent a message that they were ready to compete
with the favored Steelers. As the second quarter began, the
Steelers started to assert their dominance. Bradshaw led a methodical
drive down the field, mixing short passes with runs from
Harris and Blier. The drive culminated in a twenty eight
yard touchdown pass from Bradshaw to John Stalworth, giving the
Steelers a fourteen to seven lead. The Cowboys, feeling the pressure,
(03:58):
tried to respond quickly. However, disaster struck when Staubach's pass
was intercepted by Steelers linebacker Jack Lambert, giving Pittsburgh excellent
field position. The Steelers capitalized on this turnover with another touchdown,
this time a seven yard run by Frank o'harris, extending
their lead to twenty one to seven. Just when it
seemed the Steelers might run away with the game, the
(04:21):
Cowboys showed their resilience. Staubach led a quick drive down
the field, connecting with tight end Jackie Smith in the
end zone for what should have been a touchdown. However,
in one of the most infamous plays in Super Bowl history,
Smith dropped the wide open pass. The Cowboys had to
settle for a field goal, making the score twenty one
(04:41):
to ten at halftime. The third quarter saw both teams
trading blows. The Cowboys struck first, with Tony Dorset scoring
on a three yard run to cut the Steelers' lead
to twenty one to seventeen. However, Pittsburgh responded immediately, pushing
the lead back to twenty eight to seventeen. As the
fourth quarter began, the game was far from over. The Cowboys,
(05:03):
known for their comebacks, weren't about to give up. Staubach
led another drive down the field, culminating in a seven
yard touchdown pass to Billy Joe Dupree. With the score
now twenty eight to twenty four, the tension in the
Orange Bowl was palpable. The Steelers, however, weren't done in
a play that would be remembered for years to come.
Bradshaw connected with Lynn Swan on an eighteen yard touchdown pass,
(05:24):
extending Pittsburgh's lead to thirty five to twenty four. With
just over seven minutes remaining, the Cowboys, true to their
never say die attitude, mounted one last charge. Staubach led
a quick drive down the field, scoring on a four
yard touchdown pass to Butch Johnson with two twenty three
left on the clock. The score was now thirty five
to thirty one, and the Cowboys had hope. Dallas attempted
(05:48):
an on side kick, but the Steelers recovered. However, they
were unable to run out the clock and had to punt,
giving Staubach and the Cowboys one last chance. With one
twenty two left and no times. In a finish that
had everyone on the edge of their seats, Staubach managed
to move the Cowboys to midfield. With just seconds remaining,
(06:08):
He launched a deep pass towards the end zone, but
it was intercepted by Steelers defensive back Mel Blount, sealing
Pittsburgh's victory. The final score was Pittsburgh Steelers thirty five,
Dallas Cowboys thirty one. It was a game that lived
up to its billing and then some, featuring incredible individual performances,
dramatic swings of momentum, and a nail biting finish. Terry
(06:32):
Bradshaw was named the game's most valuable player, completing seventeen
of thirty passes for three eighteen yards and four touchdowns.
His performance solidified his status as one of the greatest
quarterbacks in NFL history. Lynn Swan and John Stalworth combined
for seven receptions, one hundred and eighty five yards and
three touchdowns, showcasing the Steelers explosive passing attack. For the Cowboys,
(06:56):
Roger Staubach completed seventeen of thirty passes for tix two
hundred and twenty eight yards, three touchdowns, and one interception.
Tony Dorset rushed for ninety six yards and a touchdown
on sixteen carries, while Drew Pearson led the receivers with
four catches for seventy three yards. Super Bowl thirteen is
remembered as one of the greatest Super Bowls ever played.
(07:19):
It featured two iconic franchises, legendary coaches and Chuck Noll
and Tom Landry, and some of the greatest players ever
to step on a football field. The game had everything,
offensive fireworks, defensive stands, controversial moments in a dramatic finish.
The game was notable for several reasons beyond the final score.
(07:40):
It marked the Steelers' third Super Bowl victory, solidifying their
status as the team of the nineteen seventies. For players
like Terry Bradshaw, Frank o'harris, and Mean Joe Green, it
was another jewel in the crown of their Hall of
Fame careers. For the Cowboys, while the loss was disappointing,
it did nothing to diminish their status as one of
the NFL's premier franchises. Players like Roger Staubach and Tony
(08:03):
Dorset had cemented their legacies even in defeat. Super Bowl
thirteen also showcased the changing nature of professional football. The
high scoring affair, with both teams combining for sixty six points,
signaled to shift towards more offensive minded football that would
come to define the NFL in the coming decades. As
we look back on Super Bowl thirteen from our vantage
(08:25):
point today, its significance in the history of professional football
is clear. It was a showcase for some of the
greatest talents ever to play the game, with an astounding
seventeen future Hall of Famers participating in the contest. The
game served as a fitting capstone to the NFL's dominant
teams of the nineteen seventies and set a standard for
(08:48):
excitement and drama that future Super Bowls would strive to match.
The game serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature
of sports. Despite all the analysis and predictions, once the
play take the field, anything can happen. The Steeler's ability
to make big plays in crucial moments, coupled with the
Cowboy's resilience in the face of adversity, created a contest
(09:12):
that would be remembered for generations. In conclusion, Super Bowl
thirteen stands as a pivotal moment in NFL history. It
was a game that showcased the talents of future Hall
of Famers like Terry Bradshaw, Franco Harris, Lynn Swan, Roger Staubach,
and Tony Dorsett. It demonstrated the importance of clutch performances
(09:34):
in championship moments, with both teams trading blows until the
very end, and it set a standard for excitement and
drama in the Super Bowl that arguably has never been surpassed.
From Bradshaw's precision passing to Swan and Stalwart's acrobatic catches
from the cowboys valiant comeback attempt to Jackie Smith's infamous
(09:55):
drop pass, super Bowl thirteen provided moments that would be
remembered in discussed for decades to come. As we continue
to watch and enjoy Super Bowls today, with their high
powered offenses and astronomical television ratings, it's worth remembering games
like Super Bowl thirteen. They remind us of the NFL's
rich history, of the grit and determination that have always
(10:16):
been at the heart of the sport, and of the
moments of pure athletic brilliance that can occur when the
stakes are at their highest. Thank you for joining us
on this journey back to Super Bowl thirteen, a game
that proved that sometimes the most memorable contests are the
ones where two great teams push each other to the
very limits of their abilities, creating a spectacle that transcends
(10:37):
the sport and becomes a part of our collective cultural memory.
Welcome to our podcast on Super Bowl thirteen, a game
that would go down in history, is one of the
most thrilling and star studded championship matchups in NFL history.
This contest between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys
took place on January twenty first, nineteen seventy nine, at
the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida. As we delve into
(00:20):
the details of this historic game, we'll explore the lead up,
the key players, the dramatic moments, and the lasting impact
of what many considered to be one of the greatest
Super Bowls ever played. The nineteen seventy eight NFL season
was a year of dominance for both the Pittsburgh Steelers
and the Dallas Cowboys. These two teams had established themselves
(00:41):
as the premier franchises of the nineteen seventies, and their
meeting in Super Bowl thirteen was seen as a clash
of titans. The Steelers, led by head coach Chuck Knowle,
were seeking their third Super Bowl title in five years,
while the Cowboys, under the guidance of legendary coach Tom Landry,
were the defending champions and looking to cement their status
(01:02):
as America's team. The Steelers finished the regular season with
a fourteen to two record, the best in the NFL.
Their offense was a well oiled machine, featuring a balance
attack that could beat opponents through the air or on
the ground. At the helm was quarterback Terry Bradshaw, who
was having the best season of his career. Bradshaw's primary
targets were wide receivers Lynn Swan and John Stalworth, both
(01:25):
of whom would go on to have Hall of Fame careers.
The Steelers running game was anchored by Franco Harris, another
future Hall of Famer. Harris was complimented by Rocky Blier,
a reliable back known for his toughness and clutch performances.
On defense, the Steelers boasted their famous Steel Curtain defense,
led by defensive tackle mean Joe Green. The linebacking corps
(01:45):
featured Jack Ham and Jack Lambert, while the secondary was
anchored by Mel Blount. This unit had allowed only one
hundred ninety five points during the regular season, the fewest
in the NFL. The Dallas Cowboys, meanwhile, had finished the
regular season with a twelve to four record and were
the defending Super Bowl champions. Their offense was led by
quarterback Roger Staubach, known as Captain Comeback for his ability
(02:09):
to lead late game rallies. Staubach's favorite target was Drew Pearson,
while the running game was spearheaded by Tony Dorsett. The
Cowboys defense, nicknamed the Doomsday Defense, was equally formidable. It
featured players like Randy White, Harvey Martin, and ed two
Tall Jones on the defensive line, with Thomas Hollywood Henderson
(02:31):
at linebacker and Cliff Harris in the secondary. As game
day approached, the stage was set for what promised to
be an epic battle between two of the NFL's best teams.
The Steelers were slight favorites, but many expected a close,
competitive game between these two powerhouses. The game began with
both teams feeling each other out. The Steelers received the
(02:51):
opening kickoff, but were forced to punt after a quick
three and out. The Cowboys first possession showed promise, with
Staubach complete a couple of passes to move the chains. However,
the drive stalled and Dallas was forced to punt as well.
The first score of the game came midway through the
first quarter when Steelers kicker Roy Jirella connected on a
(03:13):
thirty seven yard field goal, giving Pittsburgh a three nail lead.
This score was set up by a thirty eight yard
pass from Bradshaw to John Stalworth, showcasing the Steelers big playability.
The Cowboys responded quickly, putting together a drive that culminated
in a thirty nine yard touchdown pass from Staubach to
Tony Hill. This gave Dallas a seven to three lead
(03:34):
and sent a message that they were ready to compete
with the favored Steelers. As the second quarter began, the
Steelers started to assert their dominance. Bradshaw led a methodical
drive down the field, mixing short passes with runs from
Harris and Blier. The drive culminated in a twenty eight
yard touchdown pass from Bradshaw to John Stalworth, giving the
Steelers a fourteen to seven lead. The Cowboys, feeling the pressure,
(03:58):
tried to respond quickly. However, disaster struck when Staubach's pass
was intercepted by Steelers linebacker Jack Lambert, giving Pittsburgh excellent
field position. The Steelers capitalized on this turnover with another touchdown,
this time a seven yard run by Frank o'harris, extending
their lead to twenty one to seven. Just when it
seemed the Steelers might run away with the game, the
(04:21):
Cowboys showed their resilience. Staubach led a quick drive down
the field, connecting with tight end Jackie Smith in the
end zone for what should have been a touchdown. However,
in one of the most infamous plays in Super Bowl history,
Smith dropped the wide open pass. The Cowboys had to
settle for a field goal, making the score twenty one
(04:41):
to ten at halftime. The third quarter saw both teams
trading blows. The Cowboys struck first, with Tony Dorset scoring
on a three yard run to cut the Steelers' lead
to twenty one to seventeen. However, Pittsburgh responded immediately, pushing
the lead back to twenty eight to seventeen. As the
fourth quarter began, the game was far from over. The Cowboys,
(05:03):
known for their comebacks, weren't about to give up. Staubach
led another drive down the field, culminating in a seven
yard touchdown pass to Billy Joe Dupree. With the score
now twenty eight to twenty four, the tension in the
Orange Bowl was palpable. The Steelers, however, weren't done in
a play that would be remembered for years to come.
Bradshaw connected with Lynn Swan on an eighteen yard touchdown pass,
(05:24):
extending Pittsburgh's lead to thirty five to twenty four. With
just over seven minutes remaining, the Cowboys, true to their
never say die attitude, mounted one last charge. Staubach led
a quick drive down the field, scoring on a four
yard touchdown pass to Butch Johnson with two twenty three
left on the clock. The score was now thirty five
to thirty one, and the Cowboys had hope. Dallas attempted
(05:48):
an on side kick, but the Steelers recovered. However, they
were unable to run out the clock and had to punt,
giving Staubach and the Cowboys one last chance. With one
twenty two left and no times. In a finish that
had everyone on the edge of their seats, Staubach managed
to move the Cowboys to midfield. With just seconds remaining,
(06:08):
He launched a deep pass towards the end zone, but
it was intercepted by Steelers defensive back Mel Blount, sealing
Pittsburgh's victory. The final score was Pittsburgh Steelers thirty five,
Dallas Cowboys thirty one. It was a game that lived
up to its billing and then some, featuring incredible individual performances,
dramatic swings of momentum, and a nail biting finish. Terry
(06:32):
Bradshaw was named the game's most valuable player, completing seventeen
of thirty passes for three eighteen yards and four touchdowns.
His performance solidified his status as one of the greatest
quarterbacks in NFL history. Lynn Swan and John Stalworth combined
for seven receptions, one hundred and eighty five yards and
three touchdowns, showcasing the Steelers explosive passing attack. For the Cowboys,
(06:56):
Roger Staubach completed seventeen of thirty passes for tix two
hundred and twenty eight yards, three touchdowns, and one interception.
Tony Dorset rushed for ninety six yards and a touchdown
on sixteen carries, while Drew Pearson led the receivers with
four catches for seventy three yards. Super Bowl thirteen is
remembered as one of the greatest Super Bowls ever played.
(07:19):
It featured two iconic franchises, legendary coaches and Chuck Noll
and Tom Landry, and some of the greatest players ever
to step on a football field. The game had everything,
offensive fireworks, defensive stands, controversial moments in a dramatic finish.
The game was notable for several reasons beyond the final score.
(07:40):
It marked the Steelers' third Super Bowl victory, solidifying their
status as the team of the nineteen seventies. For players
like Terry Bradshaw, Frank o'harris, and Mean Joe Green, it
was another jewel in the crown of their Hall of
Fame careers. For the Cowboys, while the loss was disappointing,
it did nothing to diminish their status as one of
the NFL's premier franchises. Players like Roger Staubach and Tony
(08:03):
Dorset had cemented their legacies even in defeat. Super Bowl
thirteen also showcased the changing nature of professional football. The
high scoring affair, with both teams combining for sixty six points,
signaled to shift towards more offensive minded football that would
come to define the NFL in the coming decades. As
we look back on Super Bowl thirteen from our vantage
(08:25):
point today, its significance in the history of professional football
is clear. It was a showcase for some of the
greatest talents ever to play the game, with an astounding
seventeen future Hall of Famers participating in the contest. The
game served as a fitting capstone to the NFL's dominant
teams of the nineteen seventies and set a standard for
(08:48):
excitement and drama that future Super Bowls would strive to match.
The game serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature
of sports. Despite all the analysis and predictions, once the
play take the field, anything can happen. The Steeler's ability
to make big plays in crucial moments, coupled with the
Cowboy's resilience in the face of adversity, created a contest
(09:12):
that would be remembered for generations. In conclusion, Super Bowl
thirteen stands as a pivotal moment in NFL history. It
was a game that showcased the talents of future Hall
of Famers like Terry Bradshaw, Franco Harris, Lynn Swan, Roger Staubach,
and Tony Dorsett. It demonstrated the importance of clutch performances
(09:34):
in championship moments, with both teams trading blows until the
very end, and it set a standard for excitement and
drama in the Super Bowl that arguably has never been surpassed.
From Bradshaw's precision passing to Swan and Stalwart's acrobatic catches
from the cowboys valiant comeback attempt to Jackie Smith's infamous
(09:55):
drop pass, super Bowl thirteen provided moments that would be
remembered in discussed for decades to come. As we continue
to watch and enjoy Super Bowls today, with their high
powered offenses and astronomical television ratings, it's worth remembering games
like Super Bowl thirteen. They remind us of the NFL's
rich history, of the grit and determination that have always
(10:16):
been at the heart of the sport, and of the
moments of pure athletic brilliance that can occur when the
stakes are at their highest. Thank you for joining us
on this journey back to Super Bowl thirteen, a game
that proved that sometimes the most memorable contests are the
ones where two great teams push each other to the
very limits of their abilities, creating a spectacle that transcends
(10:37):
the sport and becomes a part of our collective cultural memory.
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