In less than a week the Cowboys will be starting their 2012 training camp. Although they have made a lot of moves this off season with free agent signings along with some of their own free agents leaving, there are still questions when it comes to the roster. There could be as many as three different players along the offensive line this year. The secondary has been rebuilt and will have at least two new players and maybe a third depending on the safety position. The good news is that the core group of players is still in place with Tony Romo, Jason Witten, Miles Austin, Dez Bryant, DeMarco Murray, DeMarcus Ware and Sean Lee.
Gone are players like Brady James, Keith Brookings, Martellus Bennett, Matt McBriar, Alan Ball, Montrae Holland, Terence Newman, Laurent Robinson and Abe Elam. Some of them will be missed and others will be forgotten quickly.
New to the Cowboys as they head into training camp are free agents Brandon Carr, Lawrence Vickers, Mackenzy Bernadeau, Nate Livings, Dan Connor, Kyle Orton and Brodney Pool. The Cowboys are also excited about first round draft pick Morris Claiborne stepping in to contribute right away. As well as some of the other draft picks hopefully being able to help the team early rather than later like, Danny Coale, Tyrone Crawford, Kyle Wilber and Matt Johnson.
As with any training camp the excitement level is high, big things are expected and the hope is that the team has done everything they can do to improve so that they can reach that next level. What's exciting is that with so many different players it creates competition and that will be a positive for the Cowboys. Some of the interesting stories and questions going into training camp are...
Quarterback : In past seasons the Cowboys have had Brad Johnson and John Kitna backing up Tony Romo. Now they have Kyle Orton who is a tremendous upgrade to the backup QB spot. I don't believe there is competition for the starting spot because there is no question that Tony Romo is the starter, but what I'm hoping for is that Orton can push Romo a little and help him to become a better player.
Wide Receiver : Now that Laurent Robinson has left the team, once again the question will be who will step up to become the third receiver? Kevin Ogletree will be trying again to secure that spot, but had not been able to do so in the past. Young receivers like Raymond Radway, Andre Holmes and Dwayne Harris will also be fighting it out along with rookies Danny Coale and Cole Beasley. Is the Cowboys third receiver currently on the roster or will they be looking for another veteran receiver like Robinson as the season gets closer?
Offensive Line : How will the Cowboys interior line shape up during training camp? Phil Costa looks to remain the Cowboys center, but will face competition from Kevin Kowalski and maybe even Bill Nagy. The Cowboys brought in Nate Livings and Mackenzy Bernadeau through free agency to be their new guards this season. But with Bernadeau still recovering from hip surgery, it's going to open things up for Bill Nagy, David Arkin and rookie Ronald Leary. The tackles are set, but Tyron Smith and Doug Free are switching sides this season. Is Smith ready to take on the challenges at left tackle at such a young age? With so many changes to the offensive line it's up to new line Coach Bill Callahan to form these players into a solid unit.
Linebackers : Sean Lee became a solid starter for the Cowboys in 2011, as well as the anchor and leader of the Cowboys defense. What will be decided in training camp and the preseason is which player will be alongside Lee on the inside. Free agent Dan Connor is a five year veteran who will be working against Bruce Carter who is now over a year removed from knee surgery. The competition between Connor and Carter should be interesting. Anthony Spencer is back opposite DeMarcus Ware for at least 2012, but will Victor Butler push Spencer for more playing time? There is also rookie Kyle Wilber who will be looking to get on the field as well.
Safety : With Gerald Sensabaugh holding down one safety position who will step up and take over the other safety position? The Cowboys signed free agent Brodney Pool, but he will be facing fierce competition from third year player Barry Church. Some believe that Church has the edge going into training camp. Adding to the safety competition will be rookie Matt Johnson.
The five positions listed above are just some of the stories to look for as training camp gets going. There are also these stories to watch...
1. How will Mike Jenkins fit in on Cowboys this season or will he be traded at some point?
2. Is Sean Lissemore ready to step in and be a starter and where does rookie Tyrone Crawford fit in on the defensive line?
3. Can Felix Jones stay healthy this season?
4. Is DeMarco Murray the real deal at running back?
Even with so many stories and unanswered questions as training camp begins, the Cowboys are once again stacked with talent and are looking for their rookies to step in and make a difference. Competition is good for any player and I'm hoping it makes the Cowboys into a stronger, better team as they get ready for the 2012 season. As a fan I'm excited about the players currently on the Cowboys roster as well as the training camp battles that will take place. The Cowboys have a good mix of veterans and younger players. I'm looking forward to see how things play out as the regular season gets closer and to see what the final product is going to be when the Cowboys take the field on September 5th against the NY Giants.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Monday, July 23, 2012
Harvey Martin needs to be the next player into the Cowboys Ring of Honor
I'm not sure how Jerry Jones decides on who goes into the Cowboys Ring of Honor, but the fact that Harvey Martin hasn't been enshrined yet is a huge disloyalty to him. Martin is the best defensive end in Cowboys history and deserves to have his name displayed in Cowboys Stadium with the other great players.
Harvey Martin was drafted by the Cowboys in the third round of the 1973 draft out of East Texas State. Martin became a full time starter at defensive end in 1975 and became one of the most feared players in the NFL. Playing besides players like Randy White, Jethro Pugh and Ed (Too Tall) Jones they formed one of the best defensive units in the league.
Although the NFL didn't start keeping track of player sacks until 1982, the Cowboys have their own record books and show Harvey Martin having a total of 114 sacks in his eleven seasons with the Cowboys. Martin is still the Cowboys sack leader, but DeMarcus Ware is closing in fast with 99.5 sacks going into the 2012 season. Martin was the Cowboys sack leader for seven of his eleven seasons with his career high coming in 1977 when he recorded 23 sacks in only 14 games.
In his rookie season of 1973 he only played on passing downs as a pass rushing specialist. Even in his limited playing time he still led the Cowboys with nine sacks. After his record 23 sacks in 1977, he followed that with 16 sacks in 1978, 10 in 1979, 12 in 1980, 10 in 1981, 8 in the strike shortened 1982 season and he finished his career with only 2 in 1983.
Some of the honors Harvey Martin received in his career were four Pro Bowl selections in 1976-79. He was a first team All-Pro selection on 1977, as well as second team All-Pro selection in 1976, 1979 and 1982. In 1977, which was his best season with the Cowboys he was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Martin was also selected to the NFL 1970's All Decade Team.
In Super Bowl XII, Martin along with Randy White and Ed (Too Tall) Jones dominated the Broncos and harassed both Craig Morton and Norris Weese all game. Martin had two of the Cowboys four sacks in the game to go along with constant defensive pressure. For his efforts Martin was named the game's Co-MVP along with Randy White as the Cowboys beat the Broncos 27-10 to earn the teams second Super Bowl Championship.
Twenty nine years have passed since Martin retired in 1983. That is too many years to wait to see Harvey Martin's name in the Cowboys Ring of Honor. Unfortunately if the time ever comes that Martin is put into the Ring of Honor, he won't be able to enjoy his enshrinement. Martin passed away on December 24, 2001at the young age of 51. By his side when he died was best friend and teammate Drew Pearson.
As I've said before, I don't know how Jerry Jones determines who goes into the Cowboys Ring of Honor, but I think he needs to give special consideration to making Harvey Martin a member. No disrespect to Larry Allen and Charles Haley, but I don't think they should have even been a thought for the Ring of Honor before Martin. Although Martin is no longer with us he deserves to be honored by the Cowboys organization, an honor that is well past due for a player who gave so much to the Cowboys. I hope that Jerry Jones does the right thing and make Harvey Martin the next player that goes into the Cowboys Ring of Honor.
Harvey Martin was drafted by the Cowboys in the third round of the 1973 draft out of East Texas State. Martin became a full time starter at defensive end in 1975 and became one of the most feared players in the NFL. Playing besides players like Randy White, Jethro Pugh and Ed (Too Tall) Jones they formed one of the best defensive units in the league.
Although the NFL didn't start keeping track of player sacks until 1982, the Cowboys have their own record books and show Harvey Martin having a total of 114 sacks in his eleven seasons with the Cowboys. Martin is still the Cowboys sack leader, but DeMarcus Ware is closing in fast with 99.5 sacks going into the 2012 season. Martin was the Cowboys sack leader for seven of his eleven seasons with his career high coming in 1977 when he recorded 23 sacks in only 14 games.
In his rookie season of 1973 he only played on passing downs as a pass rushing specialist. Even in his limited playing time he still led the Cowboys with nine sacks. After his record 23 sacks in 1977, he followed that with 16 sacks in 1978, 10 in 1979, 12 in 1980, 10 in 1981, 8 in the strike shortened 1982 season and he finished his career with only 2 in 1983.
Some of the honors Harvey Martin received in his career were four Pro Bowl selections in 1976-79. He was a first team All-Pro selection on 1977, as well as second team All-Pro selection in 1976, 1979 and 1982. In 1977, which was his best season with the Cowboys he was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Martin was also selected to the NFL 1970's All Decade Team.
In Super Bowl XII, Martin along with Randy White and Ed (Too Tall) Jones dominated the Broncos and harassed both Craig Morton and Norris Weese all game. Martin had two of the Cowboys four sacks in the game to go along with constant defensive pressure. For his efforts Martin was named the game's Co-MVP along with Randy White as the Cowboys beat the Broncos 27-10 to earn the teams second Super Bowl Championship.
Twenty nine years have passed since Martin retired in 1983. That is too many years to wait to see Harvey Martin's name in the Cowboys Ring of Honor. Unfortunately if the time ever comes that Martin is put into the Ring of Honor, he won't be able to enjoy his enshrinement. Martin passed away on December 24, 2001at the young age of 51. By his side when he died was best friend and teammate Drew Pearson.
As I've said before, I don't know how Jerry Jones determines who goes into the Cowboys Ring of Honor, but I think he needs to give special consideration to making Harvey Martin a member. No disrespect to Larry Allen and Charles Haley, but I don't think they should have even been a thought for the Ring of Honor before Martin. Although Martin is no longer with us he deserves to be honored by the Cowboys organization, an honor that is well past due for a player who gave so much to the Cowboys. I hope that Jerry Jones does the right thing and make Harvey Martin the next player that goes into the Cowboys Ring of Honor.
Friday, July 20, 2012
A Dallas Cowboys history lesson
With a few weeks left until training camp things tend to be a little slow. So I had an idea to list some things that some people may not know about the Cowboys or maybe just have forgotten over time. Enjoy!
1. On December 28, 1959 Tex Schramm introduced Tom Landry to the media as the head coach of the new Dallas Rangers. They were originally going to be called the Dallas Steers. After realizing that there was a minor league baseball team from Dallas called the Rangers, Schramm announced that the new Dallas franchise would be called the Cowboys.
2. The new Dallas franchise was almost voted out in 1960 because of then owner of the Washington Redskins George Marshall. Before the owners meeting to discuss expansion Marshall fired the Redskins music director who had also composed “Hail to the Redskins”. The music director retaliated by selling the song’s copyright to an attorney on behalf of Dallas owner Clint Murchison. The attorney denied George Marshall and the Redskins the right to play “Hail to the Redskins”. This left Marshall no choice but to vote in favor of an expansion team in Dallas and in return for his vote “Hail to the Redskins” was returned to Marshall.
3. During the 1971 training camp the running back competition was between Duane Thomas and Calvin Hill. The Cowboys ended up trading Duane Thomas to the New England Patriots for Carl Garrett and two other players plus the Patriots top pick in 1972. Thomas reported to Patriots training camp, but was thrown out for not following instructions during running drills. Commissioner Pete Rozelle negated the trade and sent Thomas back to the Cowboys and the Cowboys had to send the players they received and the draft pick back to the Patriots.
4. On October 24, 1971 Texas Stadium opened. The Cowboys entered the game against the New England Patriots with a 3-2 record. They beat the Patriots 44-21 with Duane Thomas scoring the first ever Texas Stadium touchdown on a 56 yard run just 2 minutes into the first quarter. The Cowboys would not lose in the new stadium in 1971 on their way to victory in Super Bowl VI against the Miami Dolphins.
5. In 1971 the Dallas Cowboys wowed the world with the opening of Texas Stadium. In 1972 they would wow the world again. This time they introduced a more glamorous concept…The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. Tex Schramm wanted to change cheerleading. He said that fans wanted to enjoy the sights of attractive young women who danced instead the usual “Fight, team, Fight!” cheerleading the league was use to. They would wear outfits in traditional Dallas Cowboys colors of blue and silver and have choreographed routines. Their appearance at Super Bowl X made them a national phenomenon. They also became the subject of two made-for-TV movies.
6. Before the draft in 1977 the Cowboys pulled off a trade with the Seattle Seahawks who were 2-12 during the 1976 season, which was their first as an NFL expansion franchise. The Cowboys traded their own first round pick which was the 22nd overall and three second round picks. In exchange the Cowboys would get Seattle’s first round pick which was the 2nd overall. The Cowboys watched as Tampa Bay, who had the first overall pick selected running back Ricky Bell. That put the Cowboys in position to select the man they wanted in running back Tony Dorsett who would go onto a Hall of Fame career with the Cowboys.
7. On January 3, 1983 with Minnesota leading the Cowboys 24-13 in the final Monday Night football game of the season, Dallas found themselves on their own one foot line. Danny White brought the offense to the line not realizing there were only 10 players on the field. The missing player was fullback Ron Springs who was standing on the sideline watching. Danny White handed off to Tony Dorsett who exploded through the middle of the line. Then Dorsett turned towards the right sideline as Drew Pearson blocked for him. Dorsett was able to stay in bounds as he tightroped his way into history with a 99 1/2 yard touchdown run. A record that will never be broken. Not realizing what he just did Dorsett dropped the ball in the end zone. Even with a history making run and 153 yards rushing in the game the Cowboys still lost to Minnesota 31-27.
8. On October 12, 1989 the Cowboys pulled off "The Great Train Robbery". With the Cowboys being one of the worst teams in the NFL, rookie head coach Jimmy Johnson decided to trade Herschel Walker to the Vikings in what would be a blockbuster trade involving 6 players and 12 and draft picks. Originally it was the Cleveland Browns who had an offer on the table for Walker that the Cowboys were considering until the Vikings presented their offer to the Cowboys. The trade laid the groundwork for the Cowboys to become the team of the '90s as they went on to win three Super Bowls in four years. Some of the players that were drafted by the Cowboys from the trade were Emmitt Smith, Alvin Harper, Darren Woodson and Russell Maryland.
These are just some of the things that come to mind about the Dallas Cowboys. A team rich in history, but not without some strange happenings through the years.
1. On December 28, 1959 Tex Schramm introduced Tom Landry to the media as the head coach of the new Dallas Rangers. They were originally going to be called the Dallas Steers. After realizing that there was a minor league baseball team from Dallas called the Rangers, Schramm announced that the new Dallas franchise would be called the Cowboys.
2. The new Dallas franchise was almost voted out in 1960 because of then owner of the Washington Redskins George Marshall. Before the owners meeting to discuss expansion Marshall fired the Redskins music director who had also composed “Hail to the Redskins”. The music director retaliated by selling the song’s copyright to an attorney on behalf of Dallas owner Clint Murchison. The attorney denied George Marshall and the Redskins the right to play “Hail to the Redskins”. This left Marshall no choice but to vote in favor of an expansion team in Dallas and in return for his vote “Hail to the Redskins” was returned to Marshall.
3. During the 1971 training camp the running back competition was between Duane Thomas and Calvin Hill. The Cowboys ended up trading Duane Thomas to the New England Patriots for Carl Garrett and two other players plus the Patriots top pick in 1972. Thomas reported to Patriots training camp, but was thrown out for not following instructions during running drills. Commissioner Pete Rozelle negated the trade and sent Thomas back to the Cowboys and the Cowboys had to send the players they received and the draft pick back to the Patriots.
4. On October 24, 1971 Texas Stadium opened. The Cowboys entered the game against the New England Patriots with a 3-2 record. They beat the Patriots 44-21 with Duane Thomas scoring the first ever Texas Stadium touchdown on a 56 yard run just 2 minutes into the first quarter. The Cowboys would not lose in the new stadium in 1971 on their way to victory in Super Bowl VI against the Miami Dolphins.
5. In 1971 the Dallas Cowboys wowed the world with the opening of Texas Stadium. In 1972 they would wow the world again. This time they introduced a more glamorous concept…The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. Tex Schramm wanted to change cheerleading. He said that fans wanted to enjoy the sights of attractive young women who danced instead the usual “Fight, team, Fight!” cheerleading the league was use to. They would wear outfits in traditional Dallas Cowboys colors of blue and silver and have choreographed routines. Their appearance at Super Bowl X made them a national phenomenon. They also became the subject of two made-for-TV movies.
6. Before the draft in 1977 the Cowboys pulled off a trade with the Seattle Seahawks who were 2-12 during the 1976 season, which was their first as an NFL expansion franchise. The Cowboys traded their own first round pick which was the 22nd overall and three second round picks. In exchange the Cowboys would get Seattle’s first round pick which was the 2nd overall. The Cowboys watched as Tampa Bay, who had the first overall pick selected running back Ricky Bell. That put the Cowboys in position to select the man they wanted in running back Tony Dorsett who would go onto a Hall of Fame career with the Cowboys.
7. On January 3, 1983 with Minnesota leading the Cowboys 24-13 in the final Monday Night football game of the season, Dallas found themselves on their own one foot line. Danny White brought the offense to the line not realizing there were only 10 players on the field. The missing player was fullback Ron Springs who was standing on the sideline watching. Danny White handed off to Tony Dorsett who exploded through the middle of the line. Then Dorsett turned towards the right sideline as Drew Pearson blocked for him. Dorsett was able to stay in bounds as he tightroped his way into history with a 99 1/2 yard touchdown run. A record that will never be broken. Not realizing what he just did Dorsett dropped the ball in the end zone. Even with a history making run and 153 yards rushing in the game the Cowboys still lost to Minnesota 31-27.
8. On October 12, 1989 the Cowboys pulled off "The Great Train Robbery". With the Cowboys being one of the worst teams in the NFL, rookie head coach Jimmy Johnson decided to trade Herschel Walker to the Vikings in what would be a blockbuster trade involving 6 players and 12 and draft picks. Originally it was the Cleveland Browns who had an offer on the table for Walker that the Cowboys were considering until the Vikings presented their offer to the Cowboys. The trade laid the groundwork for the Cowboys to become the team of the '90s as they went on to win three Super Bowls in four years. Some of the players that were drafted by the Cowboys from the trade were Emmitt Smith, Alvin Harper, Darren Woodson and Russell Maryland.
These are just some of the things that come to mind about the Dallas Cowboys. A team rich in history, but not without some strange happenings through the years.
That magical Dallas Cowboys 1992 season 20 years later
Anytime a team wins a Super Bowl it’s special no matter how they get there. The last two Super Bowl Champions didn’t make it into the playoffs until the final game of the season. The Packers got in back in 2010 as the 6th seed and won it all and the Giants got in last season as the 4th seed and won it all. I’m sure the fans of those teams loved every second of the postseason as their teams got hot at the right time. The Giants were 6-6 in 2011 at one point and were left for dead by most experts as well as their fans. The Packers back in 2010 needed to win in the last week of the season along with some help to back into the playoffs. All of the bad things from the regular season were forgotten once these teams won the Super Bowl. It’s rare to have one of those magical seasons from beginning to end, but when it does happen it’s the greatest ride ever.
I realized the other day that it has been 20 years since the Cowboys had one of those magical seasons and went on to win the Super Bowl. Back in 1992 the Cowboys were on a mission from the first game of the season right through the Super Bowl. It seems like just yesterday as I can remember every game they played and how they became more dominant as the season went on. It was Jimmy Johnson’s fourth season as head coach and the Cowboys had ended the 1991 season with a horrible playoff loss to the Lions, 38-6. Some thought the Cowboys were probably still a year or two away from seriously competing for a championship. The Cowboys thought differently.
The Cowboys fielded the youngest team in the NFL in 1992. They also had the top ranked defense in the league, but when it came time for Pro Bowl selections not one player from the Cowboys defense was selected. The defense did not really have house hold names other than Charles Haley, who the Cowboys traded for before the start of the season. Haley was looked at as the final piece the Cowboys needed for their Super Bowl run. Some of the others joining Haley on that top ranked defense were Russell Maryland, Tony Casillas, Jim Jeffcoat, Tony Tolbert, Leon Lett, Ken Norton Jr., Vinson Smith, Robert Jones, Larry Brown, Thomas Everett, Kevin Smith, James Washington and Darren Woodson.
On offense it seemed as though the Cowboys were unstoppable most of the time. It started up front with Erik Williams, John Gesek, Mark Stepnoski, Nate Newton and Mark Tuinei. From there defenses had to deal with Emmitt Smith, Troy Aikman, Michael Irvin, Alvin Harper, Kelvin Martin, Jay Novacek and Daryl Johnston. With Norv Turner running the offense the Cowboys developed a balanced attack that opposing teams had a hard time defending them at times.
The Cowboys finished 1992 with a 13-3 record. There best record since going 12-2 back in 1977 when they went on to win Super Bowl XII. They were 7-1 at Texas Stadium in 1992. Their only loss was to the LA Rams 27-23. On the road they went 6-2 with losses to the Eagles 31-7 and the Redskins 20-17. They beat out the Eagles for the NFC Eastern Division Championship, but came up short for home field advantage to the 49ers.
Here are a few games that will always stand out from that magical 1992 season.
Week 1: The Cowboys opened the season in Texas Stadium against the Redskins who were defending Champions. Issiac Holt Blocked a punt that went out of the end zone to give the Cowboys an early 2-0 lead and they never looked back. Emmitt Smith rushed for 140 yards and a touchdown and Kelvin Martin added a 79 yard punt return in the third quarter. The Cowboys went on to win 23-10.
Week 2: The Cowboys traveled to New Jersey to take on the Giants. It seemed to be no contest as the Cowboys jumped out to a 34-0 third quarter lead. The Giants scored twice before the end of the third quarter to make the score 34-14. What I remember most is that the scoreboard operator changed the score to show that the Giants had won the game 35-34 during the fourth quarter. The Giants did make it interesting, but the Cowboys held on for a 34-28 victory.
Week 9: Just a few weeks earlier the Cowboys were crushed by the Eagles 31-7 in Philadelphia. In the rematch the Cowboys defense took a stand and dominated as they only allowed 190 yards to the Eagles offense. Emmitt Smith rushed for 163 yards as the Cowboys won 20-10 and improved to 7-1.
Week 10: The Cowboys ended the 1991 season with a 38-6 loss in the playoffs to the Lions. In 1992 the Cowboys made a return trip to Detroit, but this time it would end much different. Emmitt Smith scored three touchdowns and Michael Irvin had 114 yards receiving and a touchdown. The Cowboys defense only allowed 201 yards to the Lions offense as they cruised to a 37-3 victory.
Week 13: It was Thanksgiving at Texas Stadium and the Giants were coming for a visit. Unlike the first match-up with the Giants this time it would not be close. The Cowboys defense once again dominated as they collected four sacks and only allowed 207 yards to the Giants offense. Emmitt Smith rushed for 120 yards and scored twice, which included a 68 yard score in the third quarter. The Cowboys improved to 10-2 with a 30-3 victory.
Week 16: The Cowboys traveled to Atlanta for a Monday Night game looking to lock up the NFC East title. The game included one of the most incredible runs in Emmitt Smith’s career. He seemed to get stopped by a wall of Falcon defenders, but then he bounced away and broke free down the right sideline as he beat Deion Sanders to the end zone for a 29 yard touchdown run. Smith added another 29 yard score and rushed for 174 yards. Troy Aikman completed 18 of 21 passes and threw three touchdown passes. The Cowboys won their first NFC East title since 1985 as they beat the Falcons 41-17.
Divisional Playoffs: For the third time in 1992 the Cowboys would be playing the Eagles and for the second time at Texas Stadium. It was also the first playoff game at Texas Stadium since 1983. Once again the Cowboys dominated the Eagles and won 34-10. The Cowboys defense only allowed 178 yards to the Eagles offense and sacked Randall Cunningham five times. Emmitt Smith added 114 yards and a score.
NFC Championship: Leading up to this game there seemed to be two stories. One was the last time the Cowboys played in San Francisco for the NFC Championship back in 1981, which ended with “The Catch” by Dwight Clark. The other was the muddy field conditions after a week of soaking rains. None of that mattered to this Cowboys team as they showed no fear against the 14-2 49ers led by Steve Young and Jerry Rice. What always comes to mind was early in the game Kevin Smith left the field for a play with a shoulder injury. On the next play Young connected with Rice on a long touchdown as he beat Issiac Holt who replaced Smith. But the 49ers were called for holding and the touchdown was called back. It seemed as though from that point on the Cowboys had the upper hand. The Cowboys defense controlled the 49ers offense and the Cowboys offense was able to move the ball and control the clock as they built a 24-13 fourth quarter lead. Young was able to bring the 49ers to within 24-20 late in the fourth quarter and most thought that Jimmy Johnson would try to get a few first downs and run out the clock. On the first play after the ensuing kickoff Troy Aikman connected with Alvin Harper across the middle as the defender fell down. Harper broke free and was finally taken down at the 49ers ten yard line after a 70 yard gain. From there Aikman sealed the game with a short touchdown pass to Kelvin Martin. The Cowboys beat the 49ers 30-20 to advance to Super Bowl XXVII. It was the first Super Bowl for the Cowboys since 1978. It was also the game that will be known for Jimmy Johnson yelling in the locker room “How bout them Cowboys!!”
Super Bowl XXVII: My first ever Cowboys game was Super Bowl XII against the Broncos back in 1977. I can’t really say I knew what was happening, but I remembered the star on the helmet. Now 15 years later I was enjoying every second of the Super Bowl including all the pregame leading up to it. I couldn’t wait to see the Cowboys name in the end zone as well as watching the player introductions. I took it all in and remember it like it was yesterday. I also remember the Cowboys being down 7-0 to the Bills after getting a punt blocked, which led to a Thurman Thomas touchdown. From that point on it was all Cowboys as they outscored the Bills 52-10. The Cowboys defense recovered five fumbles and collected four interceptions for a record nine turnovers in the game. The defense also scored two touchdowns by Jimmie Jones and Ken Norton Jr. It could have been three touchdowns and a Super Bowl record 59 points, but we all know what happened when Leon Lett celebrated too soon on his fumble return. Troy Aikman earned the game’s MVP as he competed 22 of 30 passes for 273 yards and four touchdowns. Emmitt Smith added 114 yards and a touchdown and Michael Irvin added two touchdowns. All the great numbers aside, what really meant the most was the incredible journey from that 1992 season and then seeing the team holding the Lombardi Trophy and celebrating. It was a feeling unlike any feeling I have ever felt as fan.
It’s just so hard to believe that it has been 20 years since that magical season of 1992. The players have long been gone, but will never be forgotten. Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith and Michael Irvin have all entered the Hall of Fame. Watching Jimmy Johnson every Sunday on Fox always brings back great memories. Charles Haley has been helping out the Cowboys defensive linemen recently as well as waiting for his own name to be called for the Hall of Fame. We also remember Mark Tuinei who passed away too soon back in 1999.
The 1992 Cowboys will always be remembered as one of the great Cowboys teams of all time as well as one of the great NFL teams of all time. Their magical season will never be forgotten.
I realized the other day that it has been 20 years since the Cowboys had one of those magical seasons and went on to win the Super Bowl. Back in 1992 the Cowboys were on a mission from the first game of the season right through the Super Bowl. It seems like just yesterday as I can remember every game they played and how they became more dominant as the season went on. It was Jimmy Johnson’s fourth season as head coach and the Cowboys had ended the 1991 season with a horrible playoff loss to the Lions, 38-6. Some thought the Cowboys were probably still a year or two away from seriously competing for a championship. The Cowboys thought differently.
The Cowboys fielded the youngest team in the NFL in 1992. They also had the top ranked defense in the league, but when it came time for Pro Bowl selections not one player from the Cowboys defense was selected. The defense did not really have house hold names other than Charles Haley, who the Cowboys traded for before the start of the season. Haley was looked at as the final piece the Cowboys needed for their Super Bowl run. Some of the others joining Haley on that top ranked defense were Russell Maryland, Tony Casillas, Jim Jeffcoat, Tony Tolbert, Leon Lett, Ken Norton Jr., Vinson Smith, Robert Jones, Larry Brown, Thomas Everett, Kevin Smith, James Washington and Darren Woodson.
On offense it seemed as though the Cowboys were unstoppable most of the time. It started up front with Erik Williams, John Gesek, Mark Stepnoski, Nate Newton and Mark Tuinei. From there defenses had to deal with Emmitt Smith, Troy Aikman, Michael Irvin, Alvin Harper, Kelvin Martin, Jay Novacek and Daryl Johnston. With Norv Turner running the offense the Cowboys developed a balanced attack that opposing teams had a hard time defending them at times.
The Cowboys finished 1992 with a 13-3 record. There best record since going 12-2 back in 1977 when they went on to win Super Bowl XII. They were 7-1 at Texas Stadium in 1992. Their only loss was to the LA Rams 27-23. On the road they went 6-2 with losses to the Eagles 31-7 and the Redskins 20-17. They beat out the Eagles for the NFC Eastern Division Championship, but came up short for home field advantage to the 49ers.
Here are a few games that will always stand out from that magical 1992 season.
Week 1: The Cowboys opened the season in Texas Stadium against the Redskins who were defending Champions. Issiac Holt Blocked a punt that went out of the end zone to give the Cowboys an early 2-0 lead and they never looked back. Emmitt Smith rushed for 140 yards and a touchdown and Kelvin Martin added a 79 yard punt return in the third quarter. The Cowboys went on to win 23-10.
Week 2: The Cowboys traveled to New Jersey to take on the Giants. It seemed to be no contest as the Cowboys jumped out to a 34-0 third quarter lead. The Giants scored twice before the end of the third quarter to make the score 34-14. What I remember most is that the scoreboard operator changed the score to show that the Giants had won the game 35-34 during the fourth quarter. The Giants did make it interesting, but the Cowboys held on for a 34-28 victory.
Week 9: Just a few weeks earlier the Cowboys were crushed by the Eagles 31-7 in Philadelphia. In the rematch the Cowboys defense took a stand and dominated as they only allowed 190 yards to the Eagles offense. Emmitt Smith rushed for 163 yards as the Cowboys won 20-10 and improved to 7-1.
Week 10: The Cowboys ended the 1991 season with a 38-6 loss in the playoffs to the Lions. In 1992 the Cowboys made a return trip to Detroit, but this time it would end much different. Emmitt Smith scored three touchdowns and Michael Irvin had 114 yards receiving and a touchdown. The Cowboys defense only allowed 201 yards to the Lions offense as they cruised to a 37-3 victory.
Week 13: It was Thanksgiving at Texas Stadium and the Giants were coming for a visit. Unlike the first match-up with the Giants this time it would not be close. The Cowboys defense once again dominated as they collected four sacks and only allowed 207 yards to the Giants offense. Emmitt Smith rushed for 120 yards and scored twice, which included a 68 yard score in the third quarter. The Cowboys improved to 10-2 with a 30-3 victory.
Week 16: The Cowboys traveled to Atlanta for a Monday Night game looking to lock up the NFC East title. The game included one of the most incredible runs in Emmitt Smith’s career. He seemed to get stopped by a wall of Falcon defenders, but then he bounced away and broke free down the right sideline as he beat Deion Sanders to the end zone for a 29 yard touchdown run. Smith added another 29 yard score and rushed for 174 yards. Troy Aikman completed 18 of 21 passes and threw three touchdown passes. The Cowboys won their first NFC East title since 1985 as they beat the Falcons 41-17.
Divisional Playoffs: For the third time in 1992 the Cowboys would be playing the Eagles and for the second time at Texas Stadium. It was also the first playoff game at Texas Stadium since 1983. Once again the Cowboys dominated the Eagles and won 34-10. The Cowboys defense only allowed 178 yards to the Eagles offense and sacked Randall Cunningham five times. Emmitt Smith added 114 yards and a score.
NFC Championship: Leading up to this game there seemed to be two stories. One was the last time the Cowboys played in San Francisco for the NFC Championship back in 1981, which ended with “The Catch” by Dwight Clark. The other was the muddy field conditions after a week of soaking rains. None of that mattered to this Cowboys team as they showed no fear against the 14-2 49ers led by Steve Young and Jerry Rice. What always comes to mind was early in the game Kevin Smith left the field for a play with a shoulder injury. On the next play Young connected with Rice on a long touchdown as he beat Issiac Holt who replaced Smith. But the 49ers were called for holding and the touchdown was called back. It seemed as though from that point on the Cowboys had the upper hand. The Cowboys defense controlled the 49ers offense and the Cowboys offense was able to move the ball and control the clock as they built a 24-13 fourth quarter lead. Young was able to bring the 49ers to within 24-20 late in the fourth quarter and most thought that Jimmy Johnson would try to get a few first downs and run out the clock. On the first play after the ensuing kickoff Troy Aikman connected with Alvin Harper across the middle as the defender fell down. Harper broke free and was finally taken down at the 49ers ten yard line after a 70 yard gain. From there Aikman sealed the game with a short touchdown pass to Kelvin Martin. The Cowboys beat the 49ers 30-20 to advance to Super Bowl XXVII. It was the first Super Bowl for the Cowboys since 1978. It was also the game that will be known for Jimmy Johnson yelling in the locker room “How bout them Cowboys!!”
Super Bowl XXVII: My first ever Cowboys game was Super Bowl XII against the Broncos back in 1977. I can’t really say I knew what was happening, but I remembered the star on the helmet. Now 15 years later I was enjoying every second of the Super Bowl including all the pregame leading up to it. I couldn’t wait to see the Cowboys name in the end zone as well as watching the player introductions. I took it all in and remember it like it was yesterday. I also remember the Cowboys being down 7-0 to the Bills after getting a punt blocked, which led to a Thurman Thomas touchdown. From that point on it was all Cowboys as they outscored the Bills 52-10. The Cowboys defense recovered five fumbles and collected four interceptions for a record nine turnovers in the game. The defense also scored two touchdowns by Jimmie Jones and Ken Norton Jr. It could have been three touchdowns and a Super Bowl record 59 points, but we all know what happened when Leon Lett celebrated too soon on his fumble return. Troy Aikman earned the game’s MVP as he competed 22 of 30 passes for 273 yards and four touchdowns. Emmitt Smith added 114 yards and a touchdown and Michael Irvin added two touchdowns. All the great numbers aside, what really meant the most was the incredible journey from that 1992 season and then seeing the team holding the Lombardi Trophy and celebrating. It was a feeling unlike any feeling I have ever felt as fan.
It’s just so hard to believe that it has been 20 years since that magical season of 1992. The players have long been gone, but will never be forgotten. Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith and Michael Irvin have all entered the Hall of Fame. Watching Jimmy Johnson every Sunday on Fox always brings back great memories. Charles Haley has been helping out the Cowboys defensive linemen recently as well as waiting for his own name to be called for the Hall of Fame. We also remember Mark Tuinei who passed away too soon back in 1999.
The 1992 Cowboys will always be remembered as one of the great Cowboys teams of all time as well as one of the great NFL teams of all time. Their magical season will never be forgotten.
“How bout them Cowboys!!”
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Welcome to Through the Eyes of a DC Fan
Hello and welcome to Through the Eyes of a DC Fan. I've been a fan of the Dallas Cowboys since 1978 and I like nothing more than writing about them. You will find that I like to be honest when it comes to the Cowboys. I don't live in a dream world. I tell it like it is. My articles will be about recent happenings with the team and also include some strange views. I love to be creative at times because the same old stuff can get boring. What it comes down to is that I love the Dallas Cowboys and I want to share my thoughts, opinions and crazy observations. I hope that you enjoy what you read and want to come back for more.
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