How Tom Landry defeated the 1971 Dolphins ZONE DEFENSE- A DEEP DIVE INTO TOM LANDRY'S FIRST SB

[@bradywhatley970]

This is the best football analysis period. I'm 54. Started watching the Cowboys in 1979. But I've learned more here in these videos than I ever knew. That these videos are about the Cowboys is the icing on the cake, but the history and knowledge and strategy displayed here would be fascinating if it were done for any great team. I'm learning that the 1960's were not stone age in strategy. Far from it. I feel like network TV will come calling eventually for this channel's creator. This is greatness. The Logical Cowboy is eventually going to be known beyond KZbin and he richly deserves the success coming his way.

[@thelogicalcowboy]

Thanks for watching!! I'm glad you liked the video!

[@stealthbomber2127]

Brady, plays and strategy since the 30's were devised from military ground acquisition plans. One's who made these famous are men like General Robert Neyland who has the stadium named after him at the Univ. of Tenn. Another is Red Blaik at West Point, whom Vince Lombardi pattern himself after.

[@ethanniedorowski116]

Sold I'm watching because of this alone

[@ethanniedorowski116]

37 we will see

[@terryp3034]

What Brady said.

[@EnvirotekCleaningSystems]

If I could give you 10 thumbs up I would have. This "episode" was as good as anything NFL Films or ESPN has ever produced and really more in-depth than anything I have seen. Just awesome.

[@thelogicalcowboy]

Appreciate you, bro!! Thanks for watching!

[@JOERANSTRAIGHT]

I couldn’t agree more !

[@SimmerdownTX]

Amen!

[@rodneylove26]

😊😊

[@littlesigh]

Great stuff here! Started being a Cowboys fan in 66, the loss to the Colts caused me (at 13) to write a letter to them stating how much of a fan I was. I got a letter back signed by Tom Landry (now framed) stating how they would try to do better the next year... and of course we now know more about that thanks to you!

[@thelogicalcowboy]

Thanks for watching!

[@roo2127]

Great presentation with in depth information and detail. Your story telling is exceptional as well. Not a Cowboy fan but history is always interesting when presented well.

[@thelogicalcowboy]

Thanks brother!

[@sen74diehard]

Sir you NEVER seem to let us down with vids. Your videos are extremely informative and help me verify my thoughts about my Cowboys and certain players that don’t get the credit they deserve! Tom Landry deserves a higher level on GOAT totem pole! Great work again! Keep videos coming!

[@thelogicalcowboy]

🙏 Thank you, bro!!

[@swissarmytenor]

These videos are like a video encyclopedia of the Cowboy's history. Just great. Lots of interesting info and stats, but *never* boring (quite the opposite!).

[@thelogicalcowboy]

Thanks bro!! Glad you liked it!

[@JohnBeebe]

Not even a Dallas fan but this was informative and interesting, and shows that the 60's and 70's were not a dark age of tactics like many think

[@thelogicalcowboy]

Thanks bro!!

[@hardtopindown7781]

I was born in 1959, and watching this game with my dad, i became a life long Cowboys fan. In my minds eye, i can still see Bob Lilly chasing and sacking Griese. Thanks for this video!

[@thelogicalcowboy]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@dmanwainright2132]

24 yd loss in the Super Bowl for Mr. Cowboy!!

[@claycthesunburntband7750]

I was also born in 1959 and lived in Dallas from 1964 to June of 1969. I was a diehard cowboys fan until Jerry Jones bought the team. After that, I was ambivalent. When Johnson parted ways with the 'boys, so did I. Landry had more class in his little fingers than Jerry Jones ever will.

[@David-wc7lx]

I hope these younger Cowboy's fans are watching these videos. It's the only way, these days, that they will ever get a glimpse into the true greatness of the Cowboy legend. You sir, are providing a great service to the Cowboy nation. Calvin Hill is, in my opinion, the most under rated running back in Cowboy history. He was special. I remember when Staubach took over for Morton. We were all so frustrated with Morton. Staubach hit the ground running full speed and never looked back. It seems to me that there has always been great athletes year in and year out. There has been precious few great coaches. I remember watching the Cowboys loose to the Colts and come right back and beat Miami. Thanks again for this.

[@thelogicalcowboy]

Appreciate you, bro! Good post! "It seems to me there has always been great athletes year in and year out. There has been precious few great coaches." David-wc7lx 🔥

[@frankieecanales8827]

Great analysis again, thank you. I cried after Super Bowl V, my Dad was sad too. One year later Super Bowl VI, we were so happy, Dad especially! Seems like yesterday!

[@thelogicalcowboy]

I'm glad I was able to bring back some good memories for you.

[@kevinbeard4595]

Thank you for all of your hard work...love watching old film of the Cowboys...How Bout Them Cowboys 🤠!!!

[@thelogicalcowboy]

Thanks bro!

[@TypicalAisian1968]

So much info I had to watch twice. Great seeing Mike Ditka blocking and even getting open. The idea of increased opportunities is something the 99 Rams offense capitalized on even though it was a totally diff style of offense. Cheers LC It was worth the wait.

[@thelogicalcowboy]

Thanks, bro!! Great! Great point about the Rams!!

[@jayfelsberg1931]

8:25 - You don't even have tp look at the unis to know the game was at War Memorial Stadium

[@denofabsurdity]

Dude, your presentation is unparalleled. So much history, knowledge, and detail. Great content!

[@thelogicalcowboy]

Thanks bro!!!

[@coganblaster]

You, sir, are the king of data gathering. Excellent use of statistics to make your point. Bravo!

[@thelogicalcowboy]

Thanks bro 🙏

[@williammeeks1283]

This is one of the best videos I've ever watched. Absolutely amazing

[@thelogicalcowboy]

Appreciate the kind words, bro! 🙏

[@keithsmith9175]

Your history and analysis of the Dallas Cowboys is phenomenal!!!! As always keep up the great work my brother!!! Go Cowboys!!!

[@thelogicalcowboy]

Thanks bro! Go Cowboys!

[@spryfolII]

You give us serious hard core football folks one of the best break down, stat filled video. We know what football has become today, and that makes what was done and accomplished years ago more credible. We couldn't get to today without what happened yesterday. Videos like this shows truly how brilliant the great coaches were, and Don Shula, Paul Brown, and Tom Landry head the list.

[@thelogicalcowboy]

Thanks, brother!!

[@davidbourland8118]

This is great work. I love your coverage of the Landry coaching years. Thanks!

[@thelogicalcowboy]

Thank you for watching!

[@thefutilecowboyzfan]

Your content about our team is second to none. Thanks for all You do Sir.....

[@thelogicalcowboy]

Thanks bro for the compliment!!

[@Jewclaw]

I can’t put into words how much I appreciate and enjoy your videos. It’s getting harder and harder to find quality videos. You sir are doing the lords work

[@thelogicalcowboy]

Lol thanks brother!

[@luisguzman34]

Great breakdown and narration of this video...great job man!

[@thelogicalcowboy]

Thanks bro!

[@SImSZN]

Another Logical banger 🔥

[@thelogicalcowboy]

Thanks bro!!

[@robertwildes7550]

Your analysis was outstanding.

[@thelogicalcowboy]

Thanks!!

[@kmjr2400]

Love the Dallas Cowboys AMERICA'S TEAM FOREVER. Landry, one of the greatest all time coaches.

[@thelogicalcowboy]

He sure is!!

[@DallasSports-vk6wt]

He created the motion shift multiple Offense and 4-3 defense formation, shot gun Offense 🔫. Created the Famed Doomsday Defense. #1 and #2 America's Team Legendary Generation of Greatness . Hands down everybody youngsters fans of today's standards Greatness at its best. Tom Landry, creator of the Flex Defense. The Best Dallas Cowboys Franchise historical experience 💙. Amen RIP Coach Tom Landry we love you. Amen

[@coganblaster]

​@@DallasSports-vk6wt I loved Landry as much as any fan, but he didn't create the shotgun offense. He did resurrect it to take advantage of defenses.

[@DallasSports-vk6wt]

@coganblaster Thank you, my dear friend of America's Team, blessings, I'm sorry, I said it wrong . Coach Tom Landry was amazing man of God and Decan and Greatness he was . He did create the 4-3 and the multiple shifts on offense and Doomsday Defense one and two . Us old fans sometimes get things wrong a fan since 1966 Season to 2024 . I was on point 👉 about the greatest Dallas Cowboys Franchise Team, Dallas Cowboys Crush, the Orange 🍊 Crush people in SB Twelve down in New Orleans Super Dome on January 15 1978. 1977 Season The Best Team had , we only lost at Pittsburgh and St Louis Cardinals, The Greatest RB, Tony Dorsett ran all over his hometown Team at Pittsburgh Steelers a game we should've won . Those were the greatest times and good old days! America's team at it Best of great times Amen Blessings to you, Brother and your family. Happy New Year, please subscribe to my KZbin channel. Dallas Sports 1977

[@chuckleezodiac24]

@@DallasSports-vk6wt settle down, Beavis.

[@OneOut1]

Truely an excellent breakdown.

[@thelogicalcowboy]

Thanks bro!

[@krl97a]

Awesome historical/statistical deep dive! Your videos keep getting better and better. This was a fascinating pleasure to watch. Establishing context with the Shula zone history and digging in with analysis of the Cowboys offense over that several year period was brilliantly done. You've elucidated an aspect of Landry's coaching greatness rarely talked about that even most big fans aren't aware of. Your clips also show a glimpse of how observant Pat Summerall was. I'll just add that some of my favorite plays to watch in SB VI were those Walt Garrison runs early on that provided their first real success on the ground, including 20 yards on their first scoring drive (FG). Walt led Dallas rushers at halftime with 45 yards and finished with 74 on 14 carries. Looking forward to the Doomsday defense video!

[@thelogicalcowboy]

Bro, I always appreciate the kind words!! 🙏. You're right about Garrison. I actually had his runs in the video. Especially on one of their first major drive that ended in a field goal. Garrison was huge on that drive. But because of the time, I decided to leave it out. I probably should've added it in. Thanks again, bro!

[@olymsailor83]

I grew up in the 90s watching our beloved cowboys. But Ive learned so much watching this! Thank you!

[@thelogicalcowboy]

You grew up in the greatest decade ever!!! Thanks for watching, bro!

[@dmanwainright2132]

I had the great fortune to be able to watch the Tom Landry show as a kid. It was an education! Thank you for this great channel.

[@thelogicalcowboy]

Thanks for watching, bro! 🙏

[@connlarson4906]

OUTSTSANDING episode LC!!! Thorough. Worked the stats to find the answer. Great research for historical context. Well done Good Sir. For what it's worth, I tip my hat hat to you. GO COWBOYS!

[@thelogicalcowboy]

Appreciate you, bro. Glad you liked it.

[@1966425]

What a great video. Your best by far and that's quite a feat. Landry's Cowboys will forever be the benchmark for great consistency year in and year out. Those years were the peak of the organization from Murchison Jr. to Schramm to Brandt to Landry.

[@thelogicalcowboy]

Thanks for the kind words, bro! Landry Murchison and Schramm are three of the best to ever do it.

[@finisterfoul]

Great research on this

[@tongates8079]

Thank You for mentioning Kentucky football from the Era. The Kentucy Coaches are a rabbit-hole of their own.

[@thelogicalcowboy]

Thanks for watching!

[@nicholass7563]

Definitely not a cowboys fan but the quality of the video is 1st class! Top tier! 10 star! production quality

[@thelogicalcowboy]

Thank you sir!

[@Gman-qm6bv]

Amazing analysis! I started watching the Cowboys in 1964 and had forgotten that Mel Renfro played a little offense at times. We suffered through a hot and cold Craig Morton from 1969 through the middle of the 71' season when Tom shuttled QB's in a loss to the Bears. Finally, Tom allowed Roger to start. If Tom would have started Roger and let him call his own plays, we would have won SB 5.

[@thelogicalcowboy]

Thanks, bro! I agree. Sometimes landry was stubborn. But I guess that's what made a legend.

[@MaggCona9117]

I may be a Steelers fan, but even I can appreciate how great your videos are. Well done.👏👏👏

[@thelogicalcowboy]

Appreciate you bro

[@Billfish57]

The next season, Miami went a perfect 17-0 and while winning the next two Super Bowls, it was a great time to be a fan of football. Those were real men playing that game back then.

[@cadpanacea]

They played the schedule given to them, but only 2 of those 14 reg season wins were over teams with winning records. They did take care of business against top teams in the playoffs thought.

[@TK0_23_]

I dare you to say that in a current NFL locker room.

[@marcusmarrs]

Great breakdown. Agonized over the SB5 loss to Baltimore which made the Miami game so much sweeter. Still in junior high then. Learned a lot from this game analysis.

[@thelogicalcowboy]

Appreciate you sir!

[@keithTCU]

Great video. I had read years ago that the Dallas game plan was to get Miami MLB Nick Buoniconti, who was great in pursuit, to get him moving in one direction and counter with a run the other way.

[@thelogicalcowboy]

I read the same thing. That was part of the game plan, too. But mainly because he was such a great zone linebacker against the run. I could have broken that down, but the video was already long enough.Appreciate you, bro.

[@skybarwisdom]

Excellent evaluation of how Landry (game planning), Hayes (drawing away defenders), Thomas (running with purpose) and Staubach (accuracy and efficiency) forced their will on Shula's Miami Dolphins to overcome their great defense. Afterwards, Don Shula congratulated Tom Landry on the most perfect game plan he ever witnessed.

[@jeffcope7388]

A great price to pay to go undefeated the next season. Thanks for the lesson, Tom.

[@nicksambidesjr]

This is a GREAT analysis. You work in soooo many details inside and outside the field. Good good stuff.

[@thelogicalcowboy]

Appreciate you bro

[@cjtexas9646]

You my friend are a stellar historian and a analytical genious! Well done!!!!

[@thelogicalcowboy]

Im honored by the compliment, bro!

[@footballfilm365]

Great job. Thank you.

[@thelogicalcowboy]

No problem. Thanks for watching!

[@09rja]

Shula vs. Landry? Now that's a chess match!

[@jerseyforhawks]

Amazing breakdown.

[@thelogicalcowboy]

Appreciate it!

[@markdimeo7060]

Outstanding Analysis!

[@christianstough6337]

Another interesting note is that Dallas completely remakes their offensive line in 1970. Only perennial All-Pro John Niland kept his position from the 1969 line-up. All-pro and all world right tackle Ralph Neely (he made the 1960's Hall of Fame team as right tackle; in only 5 years of play) switches to left tackle (sharing time with Liscio; my assumption being this was so to help Neely as he learned the new position- Neely has stated that he really struggled with the switch and having to learn opposite movements. The fact that he was 2nd team all-pro in 1975 was a testament to his hard work ). The switch was made to make way for HoF Rayfield Wright at right tackle. Blaine Nye replaced John Wilbur at right guard. And Dave Manders replaced Malcolm Walker at center. All five 1970 offensive starters were past, present or future All-pros or Pro Bowlers. Dallas also drafted Fitzgerald in 1970, meaning that in 1970, Dallas had set its offensive line for the next five years. They would make the NFL final four in four of those seasons.

[@thelogicalcowboy]

Thanks for this. That O-line is one of the most underrated lines in history. Dallas should have at least 3 hall of famers on that line. From 1966 to 1974, they had a top 5 rushing offense 8 out of 9 seasons. That's more than any other unit in franchise history! Even the Great Wall of Dallas in the 90s.

[@christianstough6337]

That's what is so amazing about it- the 1967-69 line had very good numbers and Landry remade it anyhow in 1970 (he remade his secondary too that same year). John Niland was the rock of that line. He def deserves HoF consideration (as does Forrest Blue of the 49ers btw). He lost his mind in 1974 and went of a drunken drug filled rampage off the highway and Dallas got rid of him - for a great price. He had a 22 inch neck supposedly. Anyways, he was 1st team all pro or Pro Bowl 6 years in a row. Nye and Neely are way underrated as is Manders, who was also a great long snapper. @@thelogicalcowboy

[@christianstough6337]

Also, John Niland and Ralph Neely are the only constants during that time period. And Dallas was 5th in rushing in 1975, and they did it by committee. Landry's coaching job in '75 and '76 was incredible considering the offensive holes he had at the skill positions. Drew Pearson, Dupree, a steady Newhouse and the rest was smoke and mirrors. Using the specific skill sets of Preston, Dennison and Young, Fugett and Richards to fill the gap left by Hill and others. What he did on defense was even more remarkable. Edwards, Jordan and Renfro were old and beat up. Lewis was no Howley and no one was Lilly....... But Landry plugged the holes amazingly and with so much intelligence until better players could be found. Gil Brandt and Schramn's draft deals and FA agent finds saved that team and made it last another 10 years after 1974. @@thelogicalcowboy

[@EnvirotekCleaningSystems]

New video in the making I hope. These are things that even the most ardent fan couldn't have known at the time. We got zero player insights outside of game time commentary from the commentators of the day and as you imagine that was next to nothing about anyone except the "star players". It is probably hard for a current fan to even imagine but if your team's game wasn't televised, you got a box score and small write up in your closest big town's newspaper, if you were lucky. The only actual game highlights were on Monday Night Football and Howard Cosell doing them at halftime and not all of the games played that weekend rated getting airtime so you might not even get to see anything about your favorite team. Fortunately the Cowboys pulled enough ratings that their games were almost always on TV but I still remember times when you had to track down a newspaper to find out any details outside of the final score@@thelogicalcowboy

[@thelogicalcowboy]

@@EnvirotekCleaningSystems Wow!! Thanks for sharing that! I can definitely make a video about the most underrated line in history. It'll be interesting.

[@charlesgraham9954]

i enjoyed hearing your side of things, I've been a Cowboy fan since 1975, i was 6 years old and a neighbor boy that was older taught me the rules and told me who was good and who wasn't, he said Cowboys and the Steelers. thank u for your time.

[@aaronlopez492]

LC great job of showing what made Tom Landry a great coach, motivator and defensive genius. The Dolphins, Cowboys Superbowl I'll never forget being that I was the only Cowboys fan in my classroom, back when I lived in Miami, Florida, so it wasn't fun at All. But I got the last laugh. Happy New Years my brother May God bless you and keep you safe and healthy and make his plans for your life come to pass as you prosper Amen!

[@thelogicalcowboy]

I receive it, bro! Likewise to you too. There's nothing like going to school and your team won! It's priceless. Thanks again bro!

[@glassslide]

Fantastic video---learned a ton and really enjoyed the presentation, great job!!

[@thelogicalcowboy]

Thanks for watching bro!!

[@deadlyoneable]

Yo dawg, Dallas better not F up this platter on a plate for them for this #2 seed. I can easily see the 00’s-20’s cowboys blowing this and losing to lowly Washington. Damn man, they better fn win tomorrow. If they don’t, it’s hopeless in the playoffs. Sorry man, great video as always

[@thelogicalcowboy]

Naw bro Im with you! If we lose tomorrow, it would be one of the most epic losses in our franchise history!! I don't want to hear no excuses. Let's take care of business. Thanks for watching bro.

[@terrenceliburd8655]

And you're a Cowboy fan?😂😂😂

[@thelogicalcowboy]

@terrenceliburd8655 Yep. We are Cowboys fans, just being truthful. This team is too good to have an upset against the 4-12 commanders. Let's handle business, like I believe we'll do and get that #2 seed! DC4LIFE.

[@deadlyoneable]

Exactly. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from Philly fans, to be passionate about your team means equally scolding them for being failures. It doesn’t make you less of a fan. If anything, it shows how much of a fan you really are.

[@CrashLarue]

"EVIDENTLY." Legendary Quote.

[@thelogicalcowboy]

🔥 🔥

[@stanleymoton9466]

Wow this is 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@thelogicalcowboy]

Thanks bro!!!

[@kevinwright5106]

Just came across your channel. Incredible analysis and production.

[@thelogicalcowboy]

Thanks, bro! Welcome to the channel.

[@KevinThomes]

You never disappoint. You my friend are turning into a Cowboy legend yourself.

[@thelogicalcowboy]

Appreciate you bro!

[@h8sjws735]

Excellent !!!

[@thelogicalcowboy]

Thanks bro!!

[@mullaneymike79]

Amazing job putting this together

[@thelogicalcowboy]

Thanks bro!

[@drakulie]

Happy new year brother!!!! Great vid to start it all off. Let’s roll,,,,, 👍

[@thelogicalcowboy]

Appreciate you, bro!! Happy New Year to you, too!!

[@JAMESGANG-f5u]

7:07 “Hayes had his revenge” START THE OLD TIMEY 🎶🎵 🏈in air FOREVER HAYES 🔥💨⚡️⚡️BOLTED

[@thelogicalcowboy]

😂 😂

[@arturocortez4175]

Lov the break down....Krazy...lov it

[@thelogicalcowboy]

Thanks bro!!

[@temjin44]

After Dan Quinn leaves, please apply fo the vacant DC position. Tom Laundry considered one of the most revolutionary Defense Coordinators

[@thelogicalcowboy]

Lol, thanks for watching, bro!

[@bookswithbenjamin8902]

Go Browns ‼️‼️ Love your content brother keep up the great work

[@redmustangredmustang]

The Cowboys just ran the Dolphins into the ground. Those cutback against the grain runs and in the first drive of the second half they just pitched it outside and the Dolphins had no answer. IT SHOULD HAVE been 31 to 3 if Calvin Hill doesn't fumble at the end of the game at the goal line.

[@thelogicalcowboy]

It was a disaster for Miami's run defense that day.

[@redmustangredmustang]

@@thelogicalcowboy that's why they changed their strategy and it worked for the next two Super Bowls.

[@thelogicalcowboy]

@redmustangredmustang Bro, you're right! He sure did.

[@keithTCU]

That was the game plan by Dallas. Get the Dolphin pursuit moving one way and counter with a run the opposite direction.

[@dakwolf8095]

Thank You

[@thelogicalcowboy]

You're welcome!

[@davidsawtelle3775]

Best sports video I've ever seen.

[@thelogicalcowboy]

Wow! Thanks for the kind words bro!

[@dakdelusionalfanswithmoree4856]

I remember this game

[@thelogicalcowboy]

Thanks for watching, bro.

[@raycooley4896]

Not even discussed miami had 2 pro bowl backs and together they had less than100 total yards in the game. Butch and Sundance.

[@thelogicalcowboy]

This was more so about a breakdown about the Cowboys offense vs. Miami's defense. I'm doing Dallas defense vs. the dolphins offense in the near future. I'll definitely add that in.

[@Prince-jq1mt]

FANtastic!!

[@jackakhan]

Sure Mr. Landry was smart. But so was that sky blue suit. Man I miss the old days sometimes lol. LOVE these videos brother! ESPN execs should watch your videos (the run to daylight vid was also brilliant) and LEARN! God bless!

[@thelogicalcowboy]

Lol, thanks, bro!! Yeah, that sky blue suit was something else 😂 😂 .

[@davidfiddleman2312]

Happy new year to you LC! This is a masterpiece. Showing just how brilliant Landry was. I have let my Cowboy fan stepbrother know of your channel - he and my sister are the Cowboy fans in the family, me and my dad the Washington fans. PS thanks to your team for kicking our tails yesterday, ensuring the best draft pick we could get 😂

[@thelogicalcowboy]

Thanks for that, bro! Really appreciate it. Yeah, that win was bitter sweet 😂 😂. We set you guys up for a monster draft!! 😢. Thanks again bro!

[@davidfiddleman2312]

@@thelogicalcowboy worked well for you too right with a division title and a higher seed 😊

[@christianstough6337]

Another great one. You know I always love any videos from the Landry era. An off topic question. Golden Richards. Drafted in 1973. Assumption: He replaces Bob Hayes as Dallas' deep threat and #2 receiver in 1974. Numbers: From 1974 thru 1976, Richards averages over 20 yards per catch. He also scored 12 TD's receiving. 10 of those TD's for on passes of 30 yards or more. In 1974, 3 of those TD came in the 1st quarter, 1 in the 2nd quarter and 1 in the 3rd quarter. After 1974, none of his TD's came in the 1st quarter (2 in the 2nd quarter, 2 in the 3rd quarter and 1 in the 4th quarter from 1975-76). Does this mean anything? Is the sample size too small? Was Landry using a bomb to Richards early in games in 1974 because teams didn't know him yet? Is a Richards bomb more prevalent in the later quarters of 75-76 an indication that he is more dangerous as the other team gets more fatigued? Is Richards getting slower due to age or injuries? Or is Landry stretching teams early in games in 1974 to help his running game and doing the opposite in 1975-76?

[@thelogicalcowboy]

Bro, your numbers is crazy good!! I definitely have to look into that. Those numbers really caught me by surprise. Richards was a problem!

[@christianstough6337]

Dallas was so thin at WR from 74-76. Behind Richards and Pearson they had an old Hayes in 74, Rookie Percy Howard for 8 games in '75 and then finally got rookie Butch Johnson in '76. That's why Fugett was catching balls (plus BJ's injury) But imagine. It's Super Bowl X, Dallas is behind and has to come back, and Richards is out of the game with broken ribs and BJ is out. Dallas was caught short. Staubach was working with a seriously limited toolbox. @@thelogicalcowboy

[@thetannedghost]

Great great HQ video perfectly put together! U sir earned my subscription. And I’m a 🧀 head . Boys are worthy to have their NFL history entwined with Pack 🏈👍

[@thelogicalcowboy]

Welcome to the channel, bro!

[@jjw56]

Wow, great job really nice work. As a self proclaimed Baltimore colt historian I loved how you connected collier and Shula. One small thing: Shula’s rookie season as a coach was ‘63 not ‘62. Also I loved how you used pro football reference sight; it’s the best on internet. Nice! Please take a long look at Preston Pearson’s career! I am ravens fan now and look forward to your cowboy/ravens video but I now I must sleep

[@thelogicalcowboy]

Thanks bro!!

[@jamesr.howell]

Good stuff sir.

[@thelogicalcowboy]

Thank you sir!!

[@davidkaiser]

Great stuff! Who are you???? I remember those years so well. . .I was already in my 20s. I also wrote NFL 1965, the Most Exciting Season, which you would enjoy. I am looking forward to watching more of your analysis!!!

[@thelogicalcowboy]

Wow! I'm sure it's an interesting read. Thanks again, sir! It's an honor.

[@stewartmillen7708]

I think you have to add that in the 1970 Super Bowl (V), Morton started the game injured (wrist). This is why as much as I venerate Tom Landry, I think he should have switched to Staubach in that game. Not because Morton was bad, but because Staubach was healthy. Plus Staubach could have picked up first downs with his legs.

[@thelogicalcowboy]

I agree. Good points!!

[@gregoryingram7561]

He also made a costly mistake in the 1979 Superbowl against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Tony Dorsett was running wild in the first half of that game, no running back had ran over 100 yards all year on that Steelers steel curtain defense, Tony damn near had 100 yards before halftime, the second half Tom Landry got away from the running game and Tony because he did, he did a lot three and out and that kept the defense on field way to long tiring them and Bradshaw picked them apart.

[@forrest1402]

No,,, he should've switched because Staubach was way! Better. Morton couldn't play modern ball, but Roger could!!

[@stewartmillen7708]

@@forrest1402 At that time, Roger was not clearly "better". The point for replacing Morton in that Super Bowl was chiefly justified by Morton's injury, plus the fact that even in 1970 Roger had started and won entire games, so he wasn't some raw rookie. It wasn't like a huge risk. However, in those games Staubach started and played (and I watched some live) Roger was not a clearly better QB than Morton. He was not yet the HoF QB he would become. My own assessment of the time was (as a kid) "Roger is an inspired leader who can improvise and make plays, but Morton usually runs the offense better". I think that is how Landry saw it too--the offense just usually clicked better when Craig ran it. Even when Staubach won the job for keeps in 1971, his first starts weren't always impressive (the 16-13 win over St. Louis, for instance). But he improved markedly and the 1971 Cowboys were blowing out teams by season's end.

[@tryhardfinessedyou]

This some high quality shit right here my guy.

[@darrylmarbut47]

Great vid btw!!

[@thelogicalcowboy]

Thanks bro!

[@regalgseguy]

Very informative

[@thelogicalcowboy]

Thank you!!

[@StellarFella]

Born in 1953. Started rooting for Dallas in 1965. In Super Bowl 5, Morton was playing injured, while Staubach remained on the bench. It would have been wise to let Roger play the second half.

[@gregjames9875]

Staubach was my favorite qb as a kid. Use to try to draw stars on my helmets.

[@ChuckHuffmaster]

I grew up in Irving in the 60s&70s and from 72 to 75 I sold concession in the stands at Texas stadium for every cowboys game preseason through playoffs, I used to arrive early on game day hangout at the bottom of the tunnel watching the players stretch and warmup I got to meet all the players even played catch with Drew Pearson got to talk with GM Tex schram , our place we checked in was across from the cheerleaders locker room, fun times as a young teen

[@thelogicalcowboy]

Wow!! Tell me more about your experiences!! You lived out a movie character. Amazing!

[@ChuckHuffmaster]

@@thelogicalcowboy yeah I had a paper route delivering the local paper ( I used to ride by the house where the picture of Lee Harvey Oswald holding the rifle on my route)we used to get free tickets to rangers games at old turnpike stadium when we signed up new subscriptions I went to more games than I can remember and every Sunday ( or thanksgiving ) during football season I was at Texas stadium 3 hours before kickoff hanging out in the tunnel and behind the end zone or watching the cheerleaders arrive, I used to make around 70 to 90 dollars depending on what I was selling in the stands, for 3 seasons I never missed a game Including playoffs and 1 pro bowl

[@thelogicalcowboy]

@@ChuckHuffmaster I could read these stories all day bro.

[@StevenVanOver]

Excellent video/analyses.... props. If I may. One nuance. You mention several times how leading the leagues in 1st downs equated to "sustaining drives." But actually, you then go on to show that their defense allowed them so many snaps/opportunities. This does not equate to "sustaining drives," but rather as you pointed out the first downs were the result of so many opportunities. ... a VERY minor correction and you later do mention how Staubach did it differently. Again, Excellent video. As someone who enjoyed and suffered (can't win the big one) through those years as a fan, this was a nice trip down memory lane. That Super Bowl win was incredible for long-time fans after so many disappointments. Thank you! .... prediction: from what I recall of the game, Landrys adjustment on how to handle the middle linebacker Nick Buoniconti was critical to the game. Hope that's where you are going. Can't wait til the end of the video! Suggestion: there is a huge story behind the Bob Lilly sack from that game. Ok .. finished the video ... awesome! .... you may want to look at / research the blocking scheme Landry unleashed for this game only where he (memory here ... so latitude requested) used a "rotating double-team" I seem to recall .. something like that ... on Nick Buoniconti ... the Phins scheme opened up lanes and Buoniconti flowed to the ball with incredible speed as he read plays almost immediately if not before the snap. Landry figured out that if he cut him off they could move the ball. A lot of his left/right play calls were based (if I recall correctly) on where Buoniconti was pre-snap so they could get blocking angles on him. Great video ... thanks again

[@thelogicalcowboy]

First of all, I appreciate the post! You had some great points. I can tell that you know football. However, I just wanted to clarify a few things from my perspective, if you don't mind. First downs: Let me explain using an analogy that might make it clearer. Imagine a team with the ball for only 15 minutes in a game, which is less than the average in the league. In such a scenario, how many first downs do you think that team would have? Most likely, somewhere between 15 and 18, which is also below the league average. Now, let's add a few three and outs and 3 turnovers forced by their defense. How much additional time of possession do you think the offense would have? Probably around 5 to 10 minutes. Logically, this should increase the number of first downs, right? Well, it should. But here's the thing - are these extra first downs happening organically? In other words, are they occurring independently of the defense's contribution? They might be picking up additional first downs, but it's not solely because the offense is efficient at creating those opportunities. It's because the defense is putting them in positions to have chances that other teams aren't getting. If we took away the extra opportunities created by the defense, would the offense still have more than 15-18 first downs? Probably not. So, this leads to a question - are the additional first downs due to having a good defense or an efficient offense at sustaining drives? In my opinion, it's more because of the former. If we took away the good defense, the offense would be below the league average. Which was my premise in the video. You might say the offense is taking advantage of those opportunities. Yes. But they are not elite enough to thrive without those opportunities. Staubach's team in 71 had more organic first downs than any other team in the league. For the Nick Buoniconti statement, I totally agree. Because of the length of the video, I had to leave some things out. And going into detail about the middle linebacker was one of them. Remember, Nick wasn't just a middle linebacker, but a zone middle linebacker. He was a part of the flow of the zone. But what I did in the video, and Pat Summerall alluded to as well, was explain the total gist of Miami's core defense, which was the zone defense. I hope this clarified some things for you. Sorry for the long post.

[@StevenVanOver]

Always nice to have a good back/forth. Appreciate the extra insight. Ya .. video length is a limiting factor, word. Preaching to the choir here about the impact of that defense. Old schoolers like me refer to those times as BS and AS (before Staubach and after) and in the BS era, we enjoyed watching the defense much more than watching the offense. Dad and I would turn on the radio for commentary as we watched the game (we did not like to hear Howard Cosell) and enjoyed every defensive snap! Staubach changed that. A total shame no coach ever took the flex defense to another club. It totally rocked. Too Tall, Pugh, Lilly, and Andrie were awesome. But it went to another level once the "Beautiful Harvey Martin" got there. Did you know he is the reason they have the "no clothesline" rule? What he did on kickoffs to the opposing team would get you arrested on the street! Looking forward to the next video!@@thelogicalcowboy

[@brian9030]

My greatest win as a Cowboy fan. If the Duane Thomas situation hadn't exploded who knows how many Superbowl's the Cowboys would have won.

[@texasstadium]

Another great video. In fairness to Bob Hayes and the whole Cowboy team, Super Bowl 4 loss to Baltimore and Morton's poor performance was because of Morton's awful shoulder injury. He could barely throw going into that game. Despite this (and the terrible game changing call on the Duane Thomas fumble at the goal line) the Cowboys defense outplayed the Colts all day.

[@thelogicalcowboy]

Fair points!! Always appreciate you bro!

[@biffmarcum5014]

Landry's preference for Morton was so frustrating back then. I am so happy that in 1972 playoffs against the 49ers Staubach had such a great performance bailing Morton out, that not even Landry could keep him on the bench!

[@komradkolonel]

Any defense is always going to have a fatal flaw but the challenge is finding it and exploiting it. One way is to overload that defense on one side. Tom Landry took a more direct approach. He just took advantage of areas where the Dolphins defense didn't match up well with the Cowboys offense.

[@Mark-xl1ze]

The Dolphins' only loss in the calendar year of 1972.

[@thelogicalcowboy]

Facts

[@tailor-mademedia1406]

Here's what I picked up, Cowboy. When they lined up Bob Hayes in the slot v. the Browns, they motioned Mel Renfro towards #22. The crazy part is I had never seen Renfro on offense. Because he was a *perennial* All-Pro DB. ✊

[@andrewkinkel4773]

The way that teams are coached now there's nobody not even belichick who is a genius at offense and defense. Most head coaches don't have a clue about one side of the ball except for an overall concept IE running team or stop the run

[@thelogicalcowboy]

I completely agree.

[@donshults7772]

A receiving corps of Hayes, Acworth and Ditka along with Hill, Thomas and Garrison? That's a really awesome collection of targets

[@coachcal4876]

Keep going! Find more. Thank you

[@thelogicalcowboy]

Sure will!

[@glenandrews2839]

Missed a letter. Roger the Dodger!!

[@christianstough6337]

(Part 2) Steve Kiner= 39 AV Pete Athas= After recovering from his broken jaw, Dallas dumps him in waivers before the season starts. He plays semi pro ball in 1970. The Giants pick him up in 1971. He plays as a safety for the Giants where he started for 3 seasons and the Browns, Vikings, and Saints; where he started occasionally. Pete Athas = 24 AV Pat Toomay= Toomay was traded in 1975 to Buffalo. He started for the Bills for 9 games and had a decent stat line including a 44-yard interception return and 6.5 sacks. Then he pissed them off and was left available for the Buccaneers to pick in the expansion draft. With Tampa Bay, he was one of the few starters to last the entire season. After that nightmarish 0-14 season he was ready to quit until a miracle happened. The Oakland Raiders traded for him and he bcame a 3rd down pass rush specialist for them. In 1977, he had 16.5 sacks, then tailed off over the next two seasons before retiring. Pat Toomay= 21 AV Bob Asher= Highly regarded by Dallas, Asher was injured and on the Taxi squad for most of 1970 and 1971. He became A starting lineman for Chicago for three seasons when Dallas traded him and a 2nd rounder for Jack Concanon after Staubach got hurt in 1972. A wasted trade as Concanon was injured as well) Bob Asher= 17 AV Duane Thomas. Dallas actually traded Thomas twice. Once in 1971 for picks and Mike Garret, which Rozelle over ruled, and once for players to San Diego. After burning his time with the Chargers to the ground. Thomas was acquired by George Allen. At Washington he was a backup and occasionally showed flashes of his former ability. Eventually, even George Allen grew tired of him and cut him after the 1974 season. Thomas played a little bit for Hawaii in the WFL and then tried out for Dallas in 1976 and Green Bay in 1978. A unique individual and a lost great runner. Duane Thomas= 5 AV Zenon Andrushen = A punter drafted in 1970, he comes out of nowhere, at the age of 30, to punt in 16 games for Kansas City in 1978. Zenon Andrushen= 3 AV Margene Adkins= Traded to New Orleans for a pick. He returned some kicks, went back to the CFL and then retired. Margene Adkins= 2 AV Joe Williams= He was traded to the Saints for a draft pick. Dallas used that pick to take Tim Kearney, at linebacker in 1972. Kearney was hurt often and early in his career and didn’t make a team until 1976. He ended up starting for St Louis and leading in tackles for two years. 27 AV Joe Williams= 1 AV Total AV earned outside of the Cowboys =186 AV * One might leave off Reggie Rucker from the Dallas 1970 draft class. He was signed in 1969. However, he did not play for Dallas in 1969, therefore 1970 was his rookie year in the NFL. He was not drafted in 1969, otherwise his value should be placed there, he was a free agent. Which is why I include him with the 1970 rookies. Now that we are clear to what happened to ALL of the 1970 rookies for Dallas, let’s look at the famous 1975 Dirty Dozen draft. Here is the AV Value of the 1975 Dirty Dozen draft and free agents Randy White= 150 AV Herbert Scott= 79 AV Pat Donovan= 76 AV Bob Breunig= 76 AV Mike Hegman= 68 AV Thomas Henderson= 31 AV Burton Lawless= 22 AV Randy Hughes= 21 AV Scott Laidlaw= 16 AV Kyle Davis=4 AV Rolly Woolsey= 3 AV Mitch Hoopes= 2 AV Warren Capone= 2 AV Percy Howard=0 AV Total = 550 1970 Draft and free agent rookies equals 352 AV. The 1975 draft equals 550 AV earned for the Cowboys. No contest, the 1975 draft was easily the better draft for the Cowboys.

[@thelogicalcowboy]

This is one of the best posts that I've ever read under any of my videos. Thanks for putting this together.

[@christianstough6337]

An opinion. In the 1970 Super Bowl, Dallas had an injured Morton and were without Lance Rentzel- who had been a great receiver that complemented Hayes perfectly. Morton's physical problems meant his ability to throw the long ball was suspect and erratic. With rookie Reggie Rucker replacing Rentzel, Dallas lacked confidence in going to him like they would have to Rentzel. I think if Morton was healthy and Lance Rentzel hadn't lost his mind, Dallas would have easily beat Baltimore. As it was, they beat the Colts badly in the first half, but were in turn, beaten badly in the second half. Of the 3 Super Bowl loses for Dallas in the 1970's, that game is the game they could have won. No disrespect to Baltimore, who played a great game and had a great defense.

[@thelogicalcowboy]

Your point is well taken! Morton was a decent quarterback. Just wasn't as efficient as Roger. But yeah, good points, bro!

[@christianstough6337]

A Morton fun fact is how many times he beat the Steelers when they were in their golden era. He beat them in '72 and twice in '77, but lost to them in NY in '76, twice in '78 and once in 1979. 3-4 isn't too bad against that great team. And its 3 more than Roger had and 1 less than Stabler and the same as Kenny Anderson. The Steeler team was a beast from '72-79; would be interesting to see how the great quarterbacks numbers stack up against each other versus Pitt in that era. @@thelogicalcowboy

[@olivernorth1993]

I never knew this. Thank you!

[@stealthbomber2127]

Coach Landry lost the Colts Super Bowl because Craig Morton had a tendon injury in his throwing arm. Joe Namath mentioned in the pregame show that the entire league knew he could not throw deep balls and deep ins and outs. Had he played Roger Staubach the Cowboys win the game easily as Craig had zero mobility which Roger would have created opportunities by running instead of throwing constantly into tight coverages. The next year proved that fact.

[@thelogicalcowboy]

As much as I love landry, sometimes he was stubborn than a rock. It's just more proof that God didn't make us perfect.

[@stealthbomber2127]

@@thelogicalcowboy I will always believe Coach Landry lost the confidence of his team when they quit during the Bears game in 1985. The Bear offense was pretty average, and not that with Steve Fuller at QB. Then all of a sudden in that game the Bears O gets excited and starts running up the score after barely moving the ball all game. Three straight terrible seasons followed.

[@terrenceliburd8655]

It was said that both Calvin Hil and Duane Thomas reminded many of Jim Brown.

[@thelogicalcowboy]

Yep.

[@jonathanjohnson5321]

This is great knowledge..School me some more, please.

[@prestonhutson9336]

I was 6 in 1971, but if my education on Cowboys history remembers anything, Craig Morton had an injured shoulder in 1970 and could barely throw the football. Landry stubbornly refused to go to Staubach under the belief that he wasn’t ready. Dallas Defense carried them to the Super Bowl. It was Morton’s inability to throw that ultimately got Dallas beaten.