Jason Garrett and the 1995 Dallas Cowboys: A Super Bowl Story
Thirty Super Bowls ago, the Dallas Cowboys etched their name in NFL history with a Super Bowl XXX victory. A 12-4 regular season, a fourth consecutive NFC East title, and the coveted No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs set the stage. They defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 27-17, securing their third Super Bowl win in four seasons. But the path to glory wasn’t as straightforward as it seemed.
The ‘Ball Blessings’ of 1995
In hockey, they talk about “puck luck” – a fortunate bounce of the puck. For the 1995 Cowboys, it might be more accurately termed “ball blessings.” Looking back, it’s remarkable considering the struggles the team faced in the years that followed, unable to return to the NFC Championship game.
A Rocky Road to the Top
The 1995 season followed a strong 1994 campaign (12-4), but the Cowboys lost the crucial home-field advantage in the playoffs to the San Francisco 49ers, who finished with a 13-3 record. The 49ers ultimately ended Dallas’s attempt at a three-peat, capitalizing on that home-field advantage and a disastrous start for the Cowboys in the NFC title game – three consecutive turnovers leading to a 21-0 deficit.
Heading into the final game of the season, the Cowboys and 49ers were tied at 11-4. The 49ers, however, had already defeated the Cowboys earlier in the season. A Falcons upset over the 49ers on Christmas Eve gifted the Cowboys a chance to claim the No. 1 seed with a win against the Arizona Cardinals. They delivered, winning 37-13.
Overcoming Obstacles
The road to the Super Bowl wasn’t without its hurdles. The Cowboys faced the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship, a team led by the formidable Brett Favre. Despite trailing at halftime, Dallas rallied, winning 38-27. A key interception by Larry Brown proved pivotal, setting up a touchdown and shifting the momentum.
Super Bowl XXX: A Test of Resilience
The 1995 season was a trying one for the Cowboys. New head coach Barry Switzer faced pressure after losing the NFC title game in his first year (1994). The team also lost seven starters from their 1993 Super Bowl-winning squad over two offseasons. A regular season loss to the 49ers and a controversial loss to the Philadelphia Eagles added to the challenges.
Super Bowl XXX against the Pittsburgh Steelers was a hard-fought battle. The Cowboys struggled offensively, with Emmitt Smith limited to 49 rushing yards. However, a crucial second-half surge, fueled by two interceptions from Larry Brown, sealed the victory. Brown’s performance earned him the game’s MVP award – the only cornerback to ever receive that honor.
A Legacy of Perseverance
The Cowboys’ 27-17 win marked their third Super Bowl victory in four years. But the question lingered: had they exhausted their share of good fortune? Thirty Super Bowls later, the Cowboys continue to chase another championship. The 1995 season remains a testament to resilience, leadership, and a little bit of serendipity.
As Mickey Spagnola of DallasCowboys.com reminds us, the search for the next defensive coordinator continues, and the team remains busy building for the future.
