Super Bowl XII vs. Miami Dolphins
The game where Tony Dorsett's brilliance and Tom Landry's genius secured the Cowboys' second crown.
Super Bowl XII stands as a defining moment in Dallas Cowboys history, marking their second championship victory and cementing their status as 'America's Team.' Played on January 15, 1978, at the Superdome in New Orleans, the game featured the Cowboys against the Miami Dolphins. This matchup was not just a contest of skill but a clash of eras, pitting a young, explosive Dallas offense led by quarterback Roger Staubach and running back Tony Dorsett against a veteran Miami squad built on defense and experience.
- Date
- January 15, 1978
- Location
- Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans
- Result
- Dallas Cowboys 27, Miami Dolphins 10
- MVP
- Tony Dorsett
- Key Coach
- Tom Landry
- Significance
- Second NFL Championship for Dallas
Lore & Background
The atmosphere in New Orleans was electric, yet the Cowboys played with a calm confidence that only comes from having been there before. The game highlighted the emergence of Tony Dorsett as a generational talent, whose performance silenced any doubters about his ability to deliver on the biggest stage. This victory solidified the bond between the team and its fans, creating a legacy of resilience and tactical superiority that would define the organization for decades to come.
In Their Own Story
The air inside the Superdome hummed with anticipation as the Dallas Cowboys took the field in their star-spangled uniforms. Under the bright lights, Roger Staubach clutched the football, his eyes scanning the Miami defense with the calm of a veteran who had already conquered this stage once before. The crowd roared, but for the Cowboys, it was just another Tuesday night in Dallas, only louder and more important. As the first whistle blew, the dream of a second dynasty began to unfold.
Reader's Guide
The game opened with Miami controlling the early tempo, but Dallas struck quickly in the second quarter when Tony Dorsett exploded for a long touchdown run, setting the tone for his historic night. Dorsett was unstoppable, racking up yards on both sides of the line and eventually stealing the show with a spectacular 24-yard touchdown run that sealed the game's momentum firmly in Dallas' favor. The Cowboys' defense held strong against Miami's offense, limiting them to field goals while Staubach managed the game perfectly. By halftime, the lead was insurmountable, and the final minutes were a procession of Cowboy dominance as they secured a 27-10 victory.
Did You Know?
- This was the last Super Bowl appearance for legendary Miami Dolphins head coach Don Shula until his retirement years later, though he would return with other teams.
- Roger Staubach threw two touchdown passes and completed the game without a single interception, showcasing his poise under pressure.
- The Cowboys' secondary effectively neutralized Miami's passing attack, allowing only one completion over 20 yards all game.
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