In the Cowboys storied 60 year history, we all know about the 5 Super bowl winning teams and of their greatness- the 1971, 1977, 1992, 1993 and 1995 teams all hoisted Lombardis at the end of the season and each of those teams were greatness.
But I want to highlight some teams of each decade in Cowboys history that were truly great but did not reach as far as they could have. Some might surprise you. I will highlight points scored, point differential, and avg score per game.
THE 1960s GREAT TEAMS THAT ARE UNDERRATED
1.
The 1966 Team- One of the best offenses in Cowboys history led by QB Dandy Don Meredith, Bob Hayes and Don Perkins.
- Record: 10-3-1 (Best record in NFL East conf- there were no divisions yet)
- Total points scored (14 game season)- 445 Points
- Points allowed- 239 points
- Point differential: +206
- Avg score vs opponent: 32- 15
- Playoffs- Lost in Conference Final to Packers 34-27.
- Comments- This was the emergence of the Landry era. The Cowboys became dominant from 1966-1983. This was the beginning.
2.
The 1968 Team- This might be the best team the Cowboys had that underachieved. This was Don Meredith’s last season and this offense and defense were completely dominant.
- Record: 12-2 (Capitol Division Champ)
- Total points scored: 431 (in 14 games)
- Total points allowed: 186
- Point differential: +245 (WOW!) Most in Cowboys history.
- Avg score vs opponent: 31-13
- Playoffs- Lost in division round to Cleveland 31-20 in huge upset.
- Comments- This team was the best team we had in the 60s. They dominated the regular season yet played a completely flat game against the browns in the playoff game.
THE 1970s GREAT TEAM THAT IS UNDERRATED
The 70s were the most dominant decade for the Cowboys. They played in 7 conference championship games in the decade winning 5 and winning 2 SBs. I have one team from the 70’s:
3. The 1978 team- Probably the last GREAT team Roger Staubach led. Many will disagree with me, but I think this was the second best team we had in the 70s, behind the ‘71 SB winner. This team had Roger, Tony Dorsett, Drew Pearson, Rayfield Wright on offense, Randy White, Cliff Harris, Hollywood Henderson on defense. They were loaded.
- Record: 12-4 (First 16 game season- NFC East champ)
- Points scored: 384
- Points allowed: 208 (incredible for 16 games)
- Point differential: +176
- Avg score vs opponent: 24-13
- Playoffs- win divisional round vs Atlanta 27-20, won NFC championship 28-0 vs rams, lost in SB 13 35-31 to Steelers.
- Comments- The loss to Steelers in SB 13 is the most disappointing loss for me ever as a Cowboys fan. This was a truly GREAT team.
THE 1980s GREAT TEAM THAT WAS UNDERRATED
4.
The 1980 Team- this was Danny White’s first year to take over for Roger Staubach. This team was still loaded with talent- Drew Pearson, Tony D, Tony Hill, Randy White. They had the #1 offense in the league that year. They had enough to win a SB.
- Record: 12-4 (Wild card team)
- Points scored: 454
- Points allowed: 311
- Point differential: +144
- Avg score vs opponent: 28-19
- Playoffs: Won Wild card game vs rams 34-14, won divisional round vs Atlanta 30-27, lost NFC championship game vs Philly- 20-7
- Comments- the Cowboys had tied the e-girls for 1st in NFC east, but the only reason the Cowboys didn’t win the division was they lost a home game vs Philly on a 58 yard FG by Tony Franklin.
THE UNDERRATED 90s TEAM
5.
The 1994 team- the first season without Jimmy, and first with Barry S. They were still loaded on all sides of the ball.
- Record: 12-4 (Won NFC East)
- Points scored: 414
- Points allowed: 248
- Point differential +166
- Avg score vs opponent: 26-16
- Playoffs: Won divisional round vs Pack 35-9, lost NFC championship game 38-28 to niners
- Comments: This should have been our 3rd straight SB win. The bad start to niners game killed us.
THE UNDERRATED (OR UNDERACHIEVING)TEAM OF 2000-10
The 21st century has not been that great for the Cowboys. The playoff appearances and wins have been few and far between.
6.
The 2007 Team- Probably the most talented team Tony Romo ever had. They won the #1 seed in the NFC that year, but....
- Record: 13-3 (NFC east champs, #1 seed in NFC)
- Points scored: 455
- Points allowed : 325
- Point differential: +130
- Avg score vs opponent: 28-20
- Playoffs: lost in the heartbreaker in the divisional round 21-17 to the giants.
- Comments: this team should played in the SB. It was the best team Romo ever had.
These teams were all great but did not finish as champs. Of these six teams, I think the 1978 team is the most underrated in my opinion. They were so close to greatness.
