The 1971 NFC Championship Game vs. Los Angeles Rams

Lore & Background

The atmosphere in Los Angeles was electric, filled with the tension of a team trying to reclaim its throne. For Dallas, this game was about proving that their Super Bowl V victory was no fluke. It required a masterful performance from quarterback Roger Staubach, who had returned from injury just weeks prior, and a defense that refused to yield despite the Rams' relentless pressure in the red zone.

In Their Own Story

The sun beat down on the concrete seats of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum as the crowd roared for their home team. The air was thick with anticipation, smelling of hot dogs and cut grass. On the field, Roger Staubach wiped sweat from his brow, his eyes scanning the defensive line that had terrified quarterbacks for years. He knew this wasn't just another game; it was a gateway to history.

Reader's Guide

This recovery shifted the momentum entirely in Dallas' favor. Staubach capitalized on the renewed energy, leading his team downfield for the game-winning field goal as time expired. The Cowboys secured a 17-10 victory, silencing the Los Angeles crowd and cementing their legacy as a dynasty capable of winning on the road.

Did You Know?

• Roger Staubach returned to play just weeks after suffering a knee injury in Week 2 of the season.
• This victory marked the first time the Cowboys had won an NFC Championship game away from home.
• Randy White's fumble recovery is often cited as one of the most critical defensive plays in franchise history.
• The win set up Super Bowl VI, where the Cowboys would become the first team to win a Super Bowl by a shutout.