Craig Morton vs Roger Staubach/Gary Hogeboom vs Danny White-How Did You Feel?

[percyhoward]

So are you saying Staubach and Aikman were carried to their championships by their defense?

No, that was you.

 

[fgoodwin]

Didn't he get knocked out of that game with a concussion?

No, Roger played the whole game, but was largely ineffective. You may be thinking of the '78 Atlanta divisional playoff; Danny led the comeback in that one.

 

[fgoodwin]

Hogeboom had a quick release and a strong arm but that was it. He locked in on receivers and never learned the subtleties of the position. Had he understudied White a couple of extra years he might have been a very good QB but that was not the case.

Actually, Hogeboom played behind White for four years before being named teh starter in '84. White understudied Staubach for four years before taking over in '80.

 

[KJJ]

No, that was you.

You said "The offense (with White at QB) was the reason the Cowboys were playing in those games in the first place. You can look at all 3 years, and his offense outplayed the defense every year.

That's something that can't be said about any other Dallas quarterback who ever made it that far."

You're giving the impression our offense under White carried the team to those title games while Aikman and Staubach simply went along for the ride while their defense shut teams down every week. Yeah Troy and Roger were nothing more than bus drivers. LOL If our offense with White at QB was the reason the Cowboys were playing in those title games then he and the offense deserves alot of the blame for losing those games. I got news for you those Cowboy teams under Aikman and Staubach would have never won a ring had they not played well during the regular season and in the title games. Aikman tossed 4 TD passes against Buffalo in his first SB. Even with all the turnovers the Cowboys got it was Aikman who was awarded the MVP. If you go back and review Staubach and Aikman's careers they were never marred by the big turnover like White's career. When your QB is making mistakes and isn't getting it done it affects the entire team including the defense. An offense that's turning the ball over and isn't generating much puts alot of pressure on their defense.

The Cowboys defense got shredded in the 1980 NFC title game in part because White and the offense couldn't move the ball but the Danny White apologists always put the entire blame for that loss on the defense. White's inability to complete more than 38% of his passes kept our defense on the field and they got worn down. Philly only scored 20 points. In the 81 NFC title game the defense was being shredded but White and our offense was moving the ball and answering back which kept the game competitive to the end. In the 82 NFC title game White and our offense couldn't generate anything which left our defense on the field. The defense ended up being pummeled again. In only one title game did White and our offense play to the level they did during the regular season and the game turned into a classic. Had it not been for the greatness of Staubach SB X would have never been as close and SB XIII would have ended in a Steelers blowout.

 

[bbgun]

The Cowboys defense got shredded in the 1980 NFC title game in part because White and the offense couldn't move the ball but the Danny White apologists always put the entire blame for that loss on the defense.

In all fairness to Danny and the passing game, that was a freezing, windswept day--hardly ideal conditions to judge any QB. In fact, Jaworski's stats were even more anemic. But since he had the superior running game that afternoon, he ends up the "hero."

http://img709.*************/img709/4531/snap2yr9.jpg

 

[KJJ]

In all fairness to Danny and the passing game, that was a freezing, windswept day--hardly ideal conditions to judge any QB. In fact, Jaworski's stats were even more anemic. But since he had the superior running game that afternoon, he ends up the "hero."

http://img709.*************/img709/4531/snap2yr9.jpg

True it was freezing and windswept and Jaws played even worse but the conditions were perfect the following year in San Francisco and Danny had two key turnovers when the game was on the line. Fans weren't making any excuses for Danny back then but the years have softened some of the fan base and it's almost like they've forgotten the costly mistakes he made in critical situations. It was freezing conditions in Minnesota during the 75 playoffs but that didn't stop Staubach from completing two clutch throws to Drew Pearson on the Cowboys last ditch drive. One was a 4th and 16 and the other was of course the hail mary. Right now Romo is Danny White a good QB who's mistake prone. There's plenty of Tony Romo apologists out there pointing the finger elsewhere for why the Cowboys have had trouble getting over the hump. If the Cowboys are ever going to win a championship under Romo he's going to have to make plays when it really matters and stop making the big mistake. We saw the big mistake with Manning and Favre and it cost their teams a championship last season.

 

[bbgun]

True it was freezing and windswept and Jaws played even worse but the conditions were perfect the following year in San Francisco and Danny had two key turnovers when the game was on the line.

Yet he did more than enough to win that game. All he could do was stand on the sideline and watch helplessly as the defense went into a soft shell. The only reason we forget or excuse Montana's three turnovers is because he had five minutes or so to win the game with the added edge of a running game mixed in. Conversely, Danny had like 45 seconds to pull off a miracle, and unlike Montana, he had to do so in obvious passing situations. Since Frisco's defense didn't have to respect the run on that last Dallas drive, they just pinned their ears back and rushed with abandon--with predictable results. I don't blame Danny for that last turnover any more than Frisco fans blame Montana for fumbling after Leonard Marshall's big hit. Both were understandable.

Fans weren't making any excuses for Danny back then but the years have softened some of the fan base and it's almost like they've forgotten the costly mistakes he made in critical situations. It was freezing conditions in Minnesota during the 75 playoffs but that didn't stop Staubach from completing two clutch throws to Drew Pearson on the Cowboys last ditch drive. One was a 4th and 16 and the other was of course the hail mary.

It wasn't freezing that day; it was actually quite mild in Minneapolis for that time of year. The field wasn't frozen, you couldn't see the players' breath, and many forsook sleeves that day--Roger included. Nor was Danny a stranger to divisional playoff round heroics.

Right now Romo is Danny White a good QB who's mistake prone. There's plenty of Tony Romo apologists out there pointing the finger elsewhere for why the Cowboys have had trouble getting over the hump. If the Cowboys are ever going to win a championship under Romo he's going to have to make plays when it really matters and stop making the big mistake. We saw the big mistake with Manning and Favre and it cost their teams a championship last season.

He still has a ways to catch up with Danny in terms of team "lore" or post-season success, but he never had the added pressure of succeeding a legend.

 

[KJJ]

Yet he did more than enough to win that game. All he could do was stand on the sideline and watch helplessly as the defense went into a soft shell. The only reason we forget or excuse Montana's three turnovers is because he had five minutes or so to win the game with the added edge of a running game mixed in. Conversely, Danny had like 45 seconds to pull off a miracle, and unlike Montana, he had to do so in obvious passing situations. Since Frisco's defense didn't have to respect the run on that last Dallas drive, they just pinned their ears back and rushed with abandon--with predictable results. I don't blame Danny for that last turnover any more than Frisco fans blame Montana for fumbling after Leonard Marshall's big hit. Both were understandable.

So you think completing just over 38% of his passes was more than enough to win that game? Had he converted a few 3rd downs he might not have been standing on the sidelines so much having to watch helplessly. Granted our defense got ran over but our offense couldn't do anything when they had the ball. As for Montana's 3 turnovers we excuse him because none of them cost the 49ers any points and when it came down to crunch time he didn't throw a pick. Instead he completed a pass that's been haunting Cowboy fans for 29 years. He's excused because he went on to win 4 SB's and have a HOF career while the Cowboys started slowly going down the drain with White at QB. It's not all going to be perfect for any QB they all make mistakes at some point but when a big game was on the line in the final seconds Montana got it done. He did against the Cowboys on that final drive in the 81 title game and he did it against the Bengals splitting defenders on a perfect throw to John Taylor to win the SB.

It wasn't freezing that day; it was actually quite mild in Minneapolis for that time of year. The field wasn't frozen, you couldn't see the players' breath, and many forsook sleeves that day--Roger included. Nor was Danny a stranger to divisional playoff round heroics.

Freezing is 32 degrees and during the rebroadcast of the Hail Mary game on the NFL Network I could have sworn the broadcasters said the game time temp was 23-26 degrees. That is mild during Dec in Minnesota. Alot of players don't wear sleeves even in below zero temps. Here's a clip of the play the video quality is crap but if you look closely you could see people on the sidelines and in the stands wearing heavy coats some with hoods and I spotted one person wearing gloves. Several players were wearing sleeves including Pearson and at least two players on the OL so it was clearly cold out. As for Danny's heroics it came during the "divisional" round in 1980 but our excitement from that win was quickly dashed the following week in Philly.


[youtube]sMN1HfQaE5o[/youtube]

He still has a ways to catch up with Danny in terms of team "lore" or post-season success, but he never had the added pressure of succeeding a legend.

Romo has the added pressure of being the Cowboys QB and exceeding 2 legends. He can set all the records he wants nothing will matter unless he leads the Cowboys to a title. The records will only give fuel to his apologists if he never leads the Cowboys to a championship.

 

[bbgun]

So you think completing just over 38% of his passes was more than enough to win that game?

Not a big stats guy. But while we're on subject, Griese's stats in his two SB wins were putrid. Lies, damn lies, ...

Had he converted a few 3rd downs he might not have been standing on the sidelines so much having to watch helplessly.

Had Doug Donley held on to a critical third down pass, Danny might have been sipping champagne at game's end.

Granted our defense got ran over but our offense couldn't do anything when they had the ball.

Really? Who scored those 27 points?

As for Montana's 3 turnovers we excuse him because none of them cost the 49ers any points and when it came down to crunch time he didn't throw a pick.

As I said earlier, Montana had an eternity to get his team into the end zone, and it took a miraculous catch to do so. Danny had no such luxury, yet nearly pulled it off with a laser throw to Drew.

Freezing is 32 degrees and during the rebroadcast of the Hail Mary game on the NFL Network I could have sworn the broadcasters said the game time temp was 23-26 degrees. That is mild during Dec in Minnesota.

The point is that the game conditions that afternoon bore no resemblance to what Danny and the offense encountered in freezing/blustery Philadelphia.

Alot of players don't wear sleeves even in below zero temps.

I said many did not and you seem to agree with me. And needless to say, the mercury was not "below zero" that day. Not even close.

Here's a clip of the play the video quality is crap but if you look closely you could see people on the sidelines and in the stands wearing heavy coats some with hoods and I spotted one person wearing gloves.

Well, it was winter. I concede that it was cold that day, but not an icebox like The Vet in Jan 1981.

Several players were wearing sleeves including Pearson and at least two players on the OL so it was clearly cold out.

See above. No one claimed it was balmy, but rather mild for that time of year. As such, Roger could run the entire playbook; Danny couldn't in Philly.

As for Danny's heroics it came during the e"divisional" round in 1980 but our excitement from that win was quickly dashed the following week in Philly.

1978 as well. No need to shortchange the guy.

Romo has the added pressure of being the Cowboys QB and exceeding 2 legends. He can set all the records he wants nothing will matter unless he leads the Cowboys to a title. The records will only give fuel to his apologists if he never leads the Cowboys to a championship.

That's insane. Romo's so far removed from Aikman and Staubach that it's not even funny. Danny directly succeeded Capt. America, whereas Tony succeeded a parade of misfits. Potato, Po-tah-to.

 

[KJJ]

insane. Romo's so far removed from Aikman and Staubach that it's not even funny. Danny directly succeeded Capt. America, whereas Tony succeeded a parade of misfits. Potato, Po-tah-to.

As long as Romo is the Cowboys QB he will never be removed from Staubach and Aikman. The fact that he's setting all the Cowboys career passing records has increased the expectations with him. His career will ultimately be measured by championships not stats because Staubach and Aikman set the standard with 5 championships. Romo is a long way removed from Danny White but that doesn't stop fans from lumping them together and making comparisons.

Not a big stats guy. But while we're on subject, Griese's stats in his two SB wins were putrid. Lies, damn lies, ...

That was due to the type of offense the Dolphins ran back in the 70's. They relied on their running game most of the time. In SB VII Griese only attempted 11 passes but completed 8 with one being a TD. In SB VIII he attempted 7 passes completing 6. Griese never had to throw much but he was efficient when he did. It's not all about yardage it's about efficiency.

Had Doug Donley held on to a critical third down pass, Danny might have been sipping champagne at game's end.



Really? Who scored those 27 points?

It's always been coulda woulda shoulda with Danny...excuses! Those same fans who make all those excuses for why Danny didn't win a SB make excuses for why Montana did. LOL If it wasn't for Clark or Jerry Rice or that catch or that great throw Montana would have been just another down on his luck QB. There's fans who clam Staubach and Aikman would have won crap if wasn't for a play here or a play there. We could sit around all day picking apart QB's like that. As for who scored those 27 points you tell me because I don't know what game you're talking about.

As I said earlier, Montana had an eternity to get his team into the end zone, and it took a miraculous catch to do so. Danny had no such luxury, yet nearly pulled it off with a laser throw to Drew.

Just more excuses Montana was being pressured with a stiff rush in his face including all 6' 9" of Ed Too Tall Jones and he put the ball only where Clark could make the play. Danny got the ball almost to mid field on the pass to Pearson and fumbled with approx 35 seconds to plays. San Fran needed a TD to win on their final drive and the Cowboys only needed a FG. "Nearly" doesn't get it done it just leaves fans like you going woulda coulda shoulda.

The point is that the game conditions that afternoon bore no resemblance to what Danny and the offense encountered in freezing/blustery Philadelphia.

I said many did not and you seem to agree with me. And needless to say, the mercury was not "below zero" that day. Not even close.

We're not talking about the ice bowl the temps were hovering around zero in Philly and were approx 23 degrees warmer in Minnesota. Both games were COLD and both teams had to play in the same conditions. Neither team was able to pass the ball affectively but Philly was able to run the ball that day and that proved to be the difference. Good teams find ways to win no matter what the conditions. As I said the conditions were perfect the following season in San Fran but you have excuses for that loss too. LOL As for me seeming to agree with you where was this? You said many forsook sleeves that day but Staubach was the only Cowboys player I could make out in the video who wasn't wearing sleeves. I said some players don't wear sleeves even in below zero temps so a player not wearing sleeves doesn't mean it isn't cold. The temps don't have to be below zero for it to be cold. You claimed it was a mild day but 23 degrees isn't exactly what I would call mild. Fans and players were bundled up out there and the temps were dropping during the game but temps should never be used as an excuse when both teams are playing in the same conditions.

Well, it was winter. I concede that it was cold that day, but not an icebox like The Vet in Jan 1981.

Now you've gone from mild to cold.

 

[percyhoward]

You said "The offense (with White at QB) was the reason the Cowboys were playing in those games in the first place. You can look at all 3 years, and his offense outplayed the defense every year.

That's something that can't be said about any other Dallas quarterback who ever made it that far."

These are league rankings for the seasons listed. The number in parentheses shows how much higher the offensive ranking was over the defensive ranking.

1966 Meredith Off:1 Def:2 (+2)
1967 Meredith Off:5 Def:7 (+2)
1970 Morton Off:4 Def:4 (even)
1971 Staubach Off:1 Def:3 (+2)
1972 Morton Off:6 Def:6 (even)
1973 Staubach Off:4 Def:5 (+1)
1975 Staubach Off:3 Def:5 (+2)
1977 Staubach Off:1 Def:1 (even)
1978 Staubach Off:2 Def:2 (even)
1980 White Off:9 Def:17 (+8)
1981 White Off:5 Def:20 (+15)
1982 White Off:5 Def:11 (+6)
1992 Aikman Off:4 Def: 1 (-3)
1993 Aikman Off:4 Def: 10 (+6)
1994 Aikman Off:8 Def:1 (-7)
1995 Aikman Off:5 Def:9 (+4)

The first thing you notice is the balance. In the 60s and 70s, the Landry teams that made the Final Four were incredibly solid on both sides of the ball. For a 15-year period from 1964 to 1978, Landry's defenses never finished lower than 7th. After 1978, they never finished higher than 7th.

And in that era, you had to be able to play defense. The three years White made it to the NFC championship game, those Dallas defenses ranked 17th, 20th, and 11th. The defenses that faced him in that game ranked 2nd, 2nd, and 4th. Those 1980-82 teams didn't underachieve, they just had weaker defenses than their predecessors.

 

[DWhite Fan]

Romo is a long way removed from Danny White but that doesn't stop fans from lumping them together and making comparisons.

You are the only one that I have seen do that. The problem with you is that you cannot handle others having a different opinion than you have. I, and apparently others, do not see Danny as the failure you do. You can throw all the stats you want out there, it is not changing anyone's mind.

I was never that impressed with Montana. In my opinion, he was a system QB. According to you, Danny is solely responsible for the 3 championship game losses. Using your logic, that means Montana was a "choker" in the 1993 AFC Championship Game. Now, I know most think Joe was one of the best to ever play. I can respect that.

You set there and claim people are making excuses for White, yet you make a dozen excuses for others in your posts, like Bob Griese.


You are entitled to your opinion KJJ, but that does not make it fact.

I think Danny White was a hell of a QB and that will never change This is my final post on this subject.:starspin

 

[KJJ]

These are league rankings for the seasons listed. The number in parentheses shows how much higher the offensive ranking was over the defensive ranking.

1966 Meredith Off:1 Def:2 (+2)
1967 Meredith Off:5 Def:7 (+2)
1970 Morton Off:4 Def:4 (even)
1971 Staubach Off:1 Def:3 (+2)
1972 Morton Off:6 Def:6 (even)
1973 Staubach Off:4 Def:5 (+1)
1975 Staubach Off:3 Def:5 (+2)
1977 Staubach Off:1 Def:1 (even)
1978 Staubach Off:2 Def:2 (even)
1980 White Off:9 Def:17 (+8)
1981 White Off:5 Def:20 (+15)
1982 White Off:5 Def:11 (+6)
1992 Aikman Off:4 Def: 1 (-3)
1993 Aikman Off:4 Def: 10 (+6)
1994 Aikman Off:8 Def:1 (-7)
1995 Aikman Off:5 Def:9 (+4)

The first thing you notice is the balance. In the 60s and 70s, the Landry teams that made the Final Four were incredibly solid on both sides of the ball. For a 15-year period from 1964 to 1978, Landry's defenses never finished lower than 7th. After 1978, they never finished higher than 7th.

And in that era, you had to be able to play defense. The three years White made it to the NFC championship game, those Dallas defenses ranked 17th, 20th, and 11th. The defenses that faced him in that game ranked 2nd, 2nd, and 4th. Those 1980-82 teams didn't underachieve, they just had weaker defenses than their predecessors.

You have to be able to play defense in any era to be successful. You have to take in account that team rankings are based off the "entire" regular season but nearing the end of the season a defense could be playing better or worse than their ranking. Last season the Cowboys defense started off terrible ranking 30th after the first 3 games. We couldn't get a sack or a turnover but as the season went on the defense gradually improved. The Cowboys defense finished the season ranked 9th but they were clearly playing better than that ranking the final 3 games of the season. In 1980 the Cowboys were playing good offensively and defensively entering the playoffs. In the postseason that year the Cowboys gained 1156 yards compared to 971 yards for their opponents. They led in first downs, passing and rushing yardage. We outscored our opponents in TD's so it wasn't like our defense was getting mowed over. During the postseason in 81 the Cowboys only got out gained by 20 yards but scored twice as many TD's as their opponents. The Cowboys opponents were only averaging 3.7 a carry during the postseason but our D folded on San Fran's final drive. We couldn't stop the pass or the run when the game got down to crunch time. In 82 during the postseason the Cowboys out gained their opponents 1159 yards to 944. We out passed our opponents by over 250 yards. We scored the same number of TD's as our opponents. Our D had the same number of sacks as our opponents. Everything came unglued for the Cowboys in the title games. Alot of the problems were a result of our passing game not being as efficient. A week prior to the 80 NFC title game White passed for 322 yards and 3 TD"s against Atlanta. His passer rating was 104.9 he proceeded to lay an egg the following week in a game that had a SB appearance riding on it. Our offense that had been so efficient the prior 2 games didn't show up in Philly which put pressure on our defense and it cracked.

In the 81 title game White was playing better against San Fran than he did the previous week against TB but he started making mistakes when the game got down to crunch time. His int deep in Cowboys territory gave the 49ers only 13 yards to cover to regain the lead. After the Cowboys got the lead back and had one foot in Pontiac with just over 4 minutes to play our defense that had gotten 3 int's and 3 sacks off of Joe Montana FOLDED on the 49ers final drive. Then came Danny's fumble that ended the game. The Cowboys were playing like a team destined for the SB in 80, 81 and 82 but they fell apart in the title games and Danny White's play was a big part of those losses as well as Landry's inability to prepare his team for championship games. Landry was a great coach but he was not very good at preparing his teams when all the chips were on the line. I'm not putting ALL the blame on Danny even though some seem to think I am but his turnovers and inability to move the offense when those games were at a critical stage sealed the Cowboys fate. When you're on the road in title games you can't afford to get behind and have the home crowd become a big part of the game. When there's a SB on the line and your opponent starts tasting blood you're in trouble especially when you're on the road. Staubach and Aikman were able to make plays in critical situations in postseason. Aikman made the HUGE play to Harper with just over 4 minutes left on the same field Danny coughed it up on 11 years earlier. That game was a duel just like the one Danny was in against a HOF QB but Aikman came through with a play when the team needed it. That's what GREAT QB's do they make plays when championships are on the line. They're able to do it against other great players. It's those kind of plays that separate the Troy Aikman's, Joe Montana's and Roger Staubach's from the Danny Whites, Drew Bledsoe's and Tony Romo's.

 

[KJJ]

The problem with you is that you cannot handle others having a different opinion than you have. I, and apparently others, do not see Danny as the failure you do. You can throw all the stats you want out there, it is not changing anyone's mind.

You're entitled to your opinion just like I'm entitled to mine. There's no right or wrong we're just giving our opinions and opinions on this topic would vary from fan to fan. I'm not trying to change anyones mind I'm just giving my opinion and if you don't agree that's fine let's move on. I see Danny as a failure because he was a mistake prone QB who couldn't get some very talented teams over the hump. It's all about championships for me and anytime a "talented" team comes up short that's a failure in my opinion. If I was a coach I want players who are all about winning championships. I don't care much for athletes or coaches who put weight in moral victories it's championship or bust for me.

I was never that impressed with Montana. In my opinion, he was a system QB. According to you, Danny is solely responsible for the 3 championship game losses. Using your logic, that means Montana was a "choker" in the 1993 AFC Championship Game. Now, I know most think Joe was one of the best to ever play. I can respect that.

Then you must not have watched Joe Montana during his entire career. He was the greatest QB of all time in my opinion and if I had to win one game he would be the QB I would choose to lead my team. Losing one title game doesn't make a QB a choker it's making a habit of losing them and continuously coughing the ball up at the worst possible time that makes them a choker. Some of you are obviously not comprehending my posts. Montana was at the end of his career in 93 he wasn't exactly the same QB at that time who won those 4 SB's. Just getting the Chiefs to the AFC championship was an accomplishment because that wasn't a great team.

You set there and claim people are making excuses for White, yet you make a dozen excuses for others in your posts, like Bob Griese.

I'm not making excuses for Bob Griese I'm just telling it like it was. He did what was asked of him in that offense. All the Dolphins did during the years that led to his HOF induction was run the ball but when called upon to make a play Griese did. He completed 14 of his 18 passes in those back to back SB wins. He led his team to 3 straight SB's and that alone gained him alot of votes with the voters. I certainly don't rank him as that great a QB because it was those 2 championship Dolphin teams primarily the undefeated 72 team that got him in the HOF. There were probably alot of QB's who could have led the Dolphins to those championships because they won with their running game and defense. An aging Earl Morrall won 12 of the 17 wins the Dolphins had in 72 so that right there is clear proof alot of QB's could have done the same thing. All Griese and Morrall had to do was throw an occasional pass and hand the ball off to their 3 backs.

You are entitled to your opinion KJJ, but that does not make it fact.

Exactly and that's true for everyone on this board.

I think Danny White was a hell of a QB and that will never change This is my final post on this subject.:starspin

Well at least Danny White is in someone's ROH. LOL

 

[Doomsday101]

KJJ still thinks the game is all about the QB if you don't win it was the QB fault the other 21 starters on offense and defense have nothing to do with losing or winning. Way to go media you got another one. :laugh2:

 

[KJJ]

KJJ still thinks the game is all about the QB if you don't win it was the QB fault the other 21 starters on offense and defense have nothing to do with losing or winning. Way to go media you got another one. :laugh2:

Never said the game was all about the QB but if you don't have a real good one who can make plays in crucial situations you're not going to win a championship unless you have the 85 Bears defense, the 2000 Ravens D or that TB defense that carried a noodle armed stiff like Brad Johnson to a championship. In this era of airing it out you have to have an efficient QB who can get it done when the chips are on the line or you won't get very far. There's a reason why QB's are selected #1 overall in the draft a majority of the time. There's a reason why the outstanding ones are the highest paid players in the league. The Saints wouldn't have gone anywhere last season without Brees playing at the level he did. He's the main reason the Saints franchise turned it around as soon as he arrived. Most of the SB MVP's have been QB's. Danny White was "part" of why the Cowboys never advanced to the SB under his leadership. If he had played flawless mistake free championships and the Cowboys lost strictly because of their defense then you can't fault him but he didn't play flawlessly. Montana didn't play flawlessly against the Cowboys in the 81 title game but in the final 4 minutes when the game was on the line he did.

If you go back through Staubach and Aikman's career they were in many situations where the game was on their shoulders to make a play and they came through alot that's why they have 5 championships between them. Joe Montana and Terry Bradshaw combined for 20 SB TD's which turned into 8 SB wins. All it takes in a big game is for a QB to make one mistake at the wrong time to cost their team a championship. QB's get most of the glory(MVP's)when their teams win and alot of the blame when their teams lose. It comes with the territory of being a QB. When you look into the eyes of a QB as they're walking up to the line of scrimmage in a critical situation in a championship game the Staubach's, Montana's and Bradshaw's always looked confident and White always had that deer in the headlights look. I remember after the 82 title game loss to Wash Dexter Manley said White looked scared to death.

 

[Doomsday101]

Never said the game was all about the QB but if you don't have a real good one who can make plays in crucial situations you're not going to win a championship unless you have the 85 Bears defense, the 2000 Ravens D or that TB defense that carried a noodle armed stiff like Brad Johnson to a championship. In this era of airing it out you have to have an efficient QB who can get it done when the chips are on the line or you won't get very far. There's a reason why QB's are selected #1 overall in the draft a majority of the time. There's a reason why the outstanding ones are the highest paid players in the league. The Saints wouldn't have gone anywhere last season without Brees playing at the level he did. He's the main reason the Saints franchise turned it around as soon as he arrived. Most of the SB MVP's have been QB's. Danny White was "part" of why the Cowboys never advanced to the SB under his leadership. If he had played flawless mistake free championships and the Cowboys lost strictly because of their defense then you can't fault him but he didn't play flawlessly. Montana didn't play flawlessly against the Cowboys in the 81 title game but in the final 4 minutes when the game was on the line he did.

If you go back through Staubach and Aikman's career they were in many situations where the game was on their shoulders to make a play and they came through alot that's why they have 5 championships between them. Joe Montana and Terry Bradshaw combined for 20 SB TD's which turned into 8 SB wins. All it takes in a big game is for a QB to make one mistake at the wrong time to cost their team a championship. QB's get most of the glory(MVP's)when their teams win and alot of the blame when their teams lose. It comes with the territory of being a QB. When you look into the eyes of a QB as they're walking up to the line of scrimmage in a critical situation in a championship game the Staubach's, Montana's and Bradshaw's always looked confident and White always had that deer in the headlights look. I remember after the 82 title game loss to Wash Dexter Manley said White looked scared to death.

If you look at the games Aikman played he was able to stand in a protected pocket to be able to make the plays, the players around you matter and sorry the Dallas defense in many of those game let the Cowboys down as it was pointed out Dallas put up 27 on SF there was no reason Dallas D should have let that game get away from them. White was not the reason but so many put it on him and that was wrong.

 

[KJJ]

If you look at the games Aikman played he was able to stand in a protected pocket to be able to make the plays, the players around you matter and sorry the Dallas defense in many of those game let the Cowboys down as it was pointed out Dallas put up 27 on SF there was no reason Dallas D should have let that game get away from them. White was not the reason but so many put it on him and that was wrong.

Aikman didn't always have a protected pocket that's why he suffered so many concussions. LOL Troy was a pocket passer and he took his share of shots back there. His career ended with a concussion. He took a terrible beating his first 2 seasons. There was one game against Philly where he got sacked 11 times. Troy made some great throws in his career under extreme pressure. One of the greatest throws he ever made was against AZ his rookie year. It was his first game back after missing 11 games with a broken finger. He got CRUSHED as he hit James Dixion on a perfect 75 yard TD strike. Aikman got totally laid out on that play. That may have started him on the road to all the concussions he suffered. As for the 27 points the Cowboys put up against SF that turned out to be a great team against a future HOF QB. Neither team could stop each other that day. It was a see saw battle the entire way. The Cowboys picked off Montana 3 times and sacked him 3 times so it wasn't like the defense played terrible. On SF final drive the Cowboys went into a prevent defense expecting the 49ers to throw the ball and they crossed the Cowboys up by running it.

Everytime the Cowboys were expecting pass they would run it. Our D looked completely confused out there. Even though SF scored to take the lead the Cowboys got the ball to almost mid field with 35 seconds to go only needing a FG and White fumbled. It may not be fair that White gets most of the blame but it was a championship game that became a classic. There's really only 3 plays from that game that fans remember the "catch" the "fumble" and the game saving jersey tackle on Drew Pearson. It's not fair that alot of fans blame Jackie Smith for the loss in SB XIII but his drop is the only play that most fans remember. That fumble by White will haunt Cowboy fans for eternity and had it not happened and the clock ended up running out on the Cowboys or they missed a FG attempt White wouldn't get any grief for that loss. When a QB turns the ball over in that situation in a title game it's going to leave a damaging mark on their career. Romo's still trying to live down that fumble against Seattle in the playoffs in 06. If he never wins a championship that's the only play in his career anyone will remember.