Playoff Showdowns: Ranking the Greatest Games in the 49ers-Cowboys Rivalry
The San Francisco 49ers and the Dallas Cowboys. Two iconic franchises, ten Super Bowl titles between them, and a rivalry etched in NFL history. Their clashes have defined eras, launched dynasties, and provided fans with unforgettable moments. With the series tied at 4-4 in the playoffs, and the 49ers leading the overall series 21-19-1, let’s dive into the playoff showdowns that have fueled this legendary rivalry.
The Early Battles: Cowboys Domination (1970-1972)
The rivalry’s playoff chapter began with Dallas asserting its dominance. In the 1970 NFC Championship, the Cowboys, led by coach Tom Landry, defeated the 49ers 17-10. Quarterback John Brodie of the 49ers threw for more yards than Cowboys quarterback Craig Morton, but Brodie’s two interceptions proved costly. The following year, in the 1971 NFC Championship, the Cowboys again prevailed, 14-3, showcasing their “Doomsday Defense” by picking off Brodie three times. Roger Staubach led the Cowboys’ offense with 55 rushing yards, contributing to a total of 172 rushing yards and two touchdowns. The Cowboys’ Duane Thomas scored the game-clinching touchdown in the fourth quarter.
The Cowboys continued their dominance in the 1972 NFC Divisional Playoff, overcoming a 28-13 deficit to win 30-28. Staubach, replacing an ineffective Morton, threw two fourth-quarter touchdowns, amassing 174 passing yards. Ron Sellers made a game-winning catch. These early encounters established the Cowboys as a force to be reckoned with, while the 49ers sought to find their footing in the rivalry.
“The Catch”: A Dynasty is Born (1981 NFC Championship)
January 10, 1982. Candlestick Park. The 49ers, led by quarterback Joe Montana and coach Bill Walsh, were looking to break through against the established Cowboys. The Cowboys led 27-21 late in the fourth quarter. With just 58 seconds remaining and trailing 27-21, Montana orchestrated a drive that would forever be etched in NFL lore. On third-and-3 from the Cowboys’ 6-yard line, Montana, under pressure, lofted a pass to Dwight Clark in the back of the end zone. “The Catch.” The 49ers won 28-27, marking their first postseason win against the Cowboys. This game is simply one of the most famous games in NFL history, with one of the most iconic plays.
Ronnie Lott, a rookie safety, contributed to the 49ers’ dominant season. The 49ers went on to win Super Bowl XVI, ushering in a new era of dominance. “The Catch” not only secured a Super Bowl berth but also ignited the 49ers’ dynasty, signaling a shift in the balance of power in the NFC.
The 1990s Trilogy: Battles for Supremacy (1992-1994 NFC Championships)
The early to mid-1990s witnessed an intense three-year stretch where the 49ers and Cowboys battled for NFC supremacy. In the 1992 NFC Championship, the Cowboys dethroned the 49ers with a 30-20 victory. Troy Aikman connected with Alvin Harper for a 70-yard pass, setting up a touchdown that propelled the Cowboys to their first Super Bowl in 14 years. After the game, Cowboys’ head coach Jimmy Johnson exclaimed, “How ’bout them Cowboys?!”
The following year, in the 1993 NFC Championship, the Cowboys again triumphed, 38-21. Emmitt Smith’s two touchdowns led Dallas. Johnson became the first coach to win a national championship in college football and a Super Bowl.
The 1994 NFC Championship saw the 49ers turn the tables, securing a 38-28 victory. The 49ers raced to a 21-0 lead. Steve Young led the 49ers to a Super Bowl win over the San Diego Chargers, throwing a record six touchdowns. This victory marked the end of the Cowboys’ Super Bowl reign and solidified the 49ers’ return to dominance.
Rekindling the Rivalry (2021-2022)
After a long hiatus from the postseason, the 49ers and Cowboys renewed their rivalry in the 2021 NFC Wild Card game. The 49ers emerged victorious, 23-17, in a game filled with late-game drama. The Cowboys had rallied from a 23-7 fourth-quarter deficit. Dak Prescott’s late-game run and spike attempt ultimately failed as time expired.
In the 2022 NFC Divisional Round, the 49ers again defeated the Cowboys, 19-12.
The Legacy
The 49ers-Cowboys rivalry is more than just a series of games; it’s a tapestry woven with iconic moments, legendary players, and championship aspirations. From “The Catch” to the battles of the 1990s, these playoff showdowns have defined eras and shaped the landscape of the NFL. As both franchises continue to strive for greatness, the next chapter in this storied rivalry is sure to be filled with drama, excitement, and unforgettable moments.