Hostile
01-16-2012, 07:07 AM
Next Year's Champions was no more. That was the label the Cowboys had been given. Next Year's Champions. It was not a label they enjoyed. It implied they were not good enough this year. From 1966 to 1970, they had not been. 1970 had ended with a last second loss to the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl V in a game many called the "Blunder Bowl." The frustration of that game was punctuated by Bob Lilly throwing his helmet about 40 yards. It was brought back to him by a Colts rookie.
Fast forward to this date in 1972, and the story changed. Doomsday was a force to be reckoned with as the Cowboys trounced the Dolphins 24-3 in he only Super Bowl where a tam failed to score a touchdown. The most amazing thing about that score could be the fact that the Dolphins rushing attack of Larry Csonka, Jim Kiick, and Mercury Morris was the most feared Offense in the NFL and Doomsday put it under wraps.
Once again Bob Lilly was the image most will remember. But this time it was him dropping Bob Griese for a 29 yard loss on a sack play as he stalked him until there was no more room to retreat. Or perhaps it was the image of his victory cigar in the locker room.
The only image that might compete with either of those was a smiling Tom Landry being carried off the field on the shoulders of his players, triumphant.
Either way, the nickname Next Year's Champions was no more. The Cowboys were World Champions and no one could take that away. Roger Staubach was named MVP, but it very easily could have been a repeat award for Chuck Howley, who in back to back Super Bowls was simply a dominant defensive force.
The most perplexing memory of the day was perhaps that of Jim Brown and mercurial rookie Duane Thomas appearing for a Tom Brooksheir interview. Brown had become some sort of mentor for the talented youngster and appeared to be in control of his very thoughts and actions as he spoke and the victorious Thomas stood idly by. His only comment came after Brooksheir excitedly asked if he was really that fast, to which he replied, "Evidently."
40 years ago. I still remember it. This was the day Roger Staubach became forever the sports figure I most admire. He is my ultimate hero. I doubt that ever changes.
Fast forward to this date in 1972, and the story changed. Doomsday was a force to be reckoned with as the Cowboys trounced the Dolphins 24-3 in he only Super Bowl where a tam failed to score a touchdown. The most amazing thing about that score could be the fact that the Dolphins rushing attack of Larry Csonka, Jim Kiick, and Mercury Morris was the most feared Offense in the NFL and Doomsday put it under wraps.
Once again Bob Lilly was the image most will remember. But this time it was him dropping Bob Griese for a 29 yard loss on a sack play as he stalked him until there was no more room to retreat. Or perhaps it was the image of his victory cigar in the locker room.
The only image that might compete with either of those was a smiling Tom Landry being carried off the field on the shoulders of his players, triumphant.
Either way, the nickname Next Year's Champions was no more. The Cowboys were World Champions and no one could take that away. Roger Staubach was named MVP, but it very easily could have been a repeat award for Chuck Howley, who in back to back Super Bowls was simply a dominant defensive force.
The most perplexing memory of the day was perhaps that of Jim Brown and mercurial rookie Duane Thomas appearing for a Tom Brooksheir interview. Brown had become some sort of mentor for the talented youngster and appeared to be in control of his very thoughts and actions as he spoke and the victorious Thomas stood idly by. His only comment came after Brooksheir excitedly asked if he was really that fast, to which he replied, "Evidently."
40 years ago. I still remember it. This was the day Roger Staubach became forever the sports figure I most admire. He is my ultimate hero. I doubt that ever changes.