How Many Super Bowls Have the Dallas Cowboys Won?

Howley’s two interceptions helped the Cowboys carry a seven-point lead into halftime, but Dallas committed ten penalties and turned the ball over four times. The last mistake came with the score tied and the offense trying to move into winning range. Baltimore needed only one first down before O’Brien ended the game.

The Cowboys rushed for 252 yards, allowed only one field goal and never turned the ball over. Staubach used play action off Duane Thomas and Walt Garrison, while the defense kept Bob Griese from finding any rhythm. The franchise’s first title was a complete game rather than a late escape.

Staubach gave Dallas a 10–7 lead, and the defense kept Bradshaw uncomfortable for most of the night. Once the punt was blocked, Pittsburgh attacked quickly and Swann’s 64-yard touchdown created the separation. The Cowboys scored late and recovered an onside kick, but the final throw was intercepted in the end zone.

Dallas did not need a huge passing day because Harvey Martin, Randy White and the defense dominated every possession. The Cowboys recovered four fumbles and intercepted four passes, turning a 13–10 halftime lead into a comfortable second half. Martin and White shared MVP honors, the only co-MVP award in Super Bowl history.

The Cowboys had a chance to tie the game in the third quarter before Jackie Smith dropped a pass in the end zone and Dallas settled for a field goal. That play did not decide the game by itself; Pittsburgh still had to create separation. The Steelers did it with one deep throw and a short-field touchdown, making two late Dallas scores too little.

Buffalo committed nine turnovers, and Dallas converted the mistakes into points from every part of the roster. Aikman threw four touchdown passes, the defense scored twice and Smith added more than 100 rushing yards. The 52–17 score did not come from empty late points; the Cowboys controlled the game as soon as the turnovers started arriving.

The Cowboys trailed 13–6 and had produced only one scoring drive in the first half. Washington’s return reset the game in one play. Smith then carried seven times on the next Dallas possession and scored the go-ahead touchdown, finishing a second-half performance that Buffalo could not slow down.

The Steelers recovered an onside kick and scored to make the pressure real. Dallas did not answer with a long drive; Brown answered by sitting in the throwing lane and returning O’Donnell’s pass deep into Pittsburgh territory. Smith scored two plays later, and the Cowboys closed their third championship in four seasons.