Welcome to our podcast on Super Bowl 13, a game that would go down in history as one of the most thrilling and star-studded championship matchups in NFL history. This contest between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys took place on January 21, 1979, at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida. As we delve into the details of this historic game, we'll explore the lead-up, the key players, the dramatic moments, and the lasting impact of what many consider to be one of the greatest Super Bowls ever played. The 1978 NFL season was a year of dominance for both the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys. These two teams had established themselves as the premier franchises of the 1970s, and their meeting in Super Bowl 13 was seen as a clash of titans. The Steelers, led by head coach Chuck Noll, were seeking their third Super Bowl title in five years, while the Cowboys, under the guidance of legendary coach Tom Landry, were the defending champions and looking to cement their status as "America's Team. “The Steelers finished the regular season with a 14 and 2 record, the best in the NFL. Their offense was a well-oiled machine, featuring a balanced attack that could beat opponents through the air or on the ground. At the helm was quarterback Terry Bradshaw, who was having the best season of his career. Bradshaw had thrown for 2,915 yards and 28 touchdowns during the regular season, establishing himself as one of the league's premier passers. Bradshaw’s primary targets were wide receivers Lynn Swann and John Stallworth, both of whom would go on to have Hall of Fame careers. The Steelers' running game was anchored by Franco Harris, another future Hall of Famer, who had rushed for 1,082 yards and 8 touchdowns during the regular season. Harris was complemented by Rocky Bleier, a reliable back known for his toughness and clutch performances. On defense, the Steelers boasted their famous "Steel Curtain" defense, led by defensive tackle "Mean" Joe Greene. The linebacking corps featured Jack Ham and Jack Lambert, while the secondary was anchored by Mel Blount. This unit had allowed only 195 points during the regular season, the fewest in the NFL. The Dallas Cowboys, meanwhile, had finished the regular season with a 12 and 4 record and were the defending Super Bowl champions. Their offense was led by quarterback Roger Staubach, known as "Captain Comeback" for his ability to lead late-game rallies. Staubach's favorite target was Drew Pearson, while the running game was spearheaded by Tony Dorsett, who had rushed for 1,325 yards and 8 touchdowns during the regular season. The Cowboys' defense, nicknamed the "Doomsday Defense," was equally formidable. It featured players like Randy White, Harvey Martin, and Ed "Too Tall" Jones on the defensive line, with Thomas "Hollywood" Henderson at linebacker and Cliff Harris in the secondary. As game day approached, the stage was set for what promised to be an epic battle between two of the NFL's best teams. The Steelers were slight favorites, but many expected a close, competitive game between these two powerhouses. The game began with both teams feeling each other out. The Steelers received the opening kickoff but were forced to punt after a quick three-and-out. The Cowboys' first possession showed promise, with Staubach completing a couple of passes to move the chains. However, the drive stalled, and Dallas was forced to punt as well. The first score of the game came midway through the first quarter when Steelers kicker Roy Gerela connected on a 37-yard field goal, giving Pittsburgh a 3-0 lead. This score was set up by a 38-yard pass from Bradshaw to John Stallworth, showcasing the Steelers' big-play ability. The Cowboys responded quickly, putting together a drive that culminated in a 39-yard touchdown pass from Staubach to Tony Hill. This gave Dallas a 7 to 3 lead and sent a message that they were ready to compete with the favored Steelers. As the second quarter began, the Steelers started to assert their dominance. Bradshaw led a methodical drive down the field, mixing short passes with runs from Harris and Bleier. The drive culminated in a 28-yard touchdown pass from Bradshaw to John Stallworth, giving the Steelers a 14 to 7 lead. The Cowboys, feeling the pressure, tried to respond quickly. However, disaster struck when Staubach's pass was intercepted by Steelers linebacker Jack Lambert, giving Pittsburgh excellent field position. The Steelers capitalized on this turnover with another touchdown, this time a 7 yard run by Franco Harris, extending their lead to 21 to 7. Just when it seemed the Steelers might run away with the game, the Cowboys showed their resilience. Staubach led a quick drive down the field, connecting with tight end Jackie Smith in the end zone for what should have been a touchdown. However, in one of the most infamous plays in Super Bowl history, Smith dropped the wide-open pass. The Cowboys had to settle for a field goal, making the score 21-10...
