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 at halftime. The third quarter saw both teams trading blows. The Cowboys struck first, with Tony Dorsett scoring on a 3-yard run to cut the Steelers' lead to 21 to 17. However, Pittsburgh responded immediately, with Bradshaw hitting Rocky Bleier for an 18-yard touchdown pass, pushing the lead back to 28 to 17. As the fourth quarter began, the game was far from over. The Cowboys, known for their comebacks, weren't about to give up. Staubach led another drive down the field, culminating in a 7-yard touchdown pass to Billy Joe DuPree. With the score now 28 to 24, the tension in the Orange Bowl was palpable. The Steelers, however, weren't done. In a play that would be remembered for years to come, Bradshaw connected with Lynn Swann on a 18-yard touchdown pass, extending Pittsburgh's lead to 35 to 24 with just over seven minutes remaining. The Cowboys, true to their "never say die" attitude, mounted one last charge. Staubach led a quick drive down the field, scoring on a 4 yard touchdown pass to Butch Johnson with 2:23 left on the clock. The score was now 35 to 31, and the Cowboys had hope. Dallas attempted an onside kick, but the Steelers recovered. However, they were unable to run out the clock and had to punt, giving Staubach and the Cowboys one last chance with 1:22 left and no timeouts. In a finish that had everyone on the edge of their seats, Staubach managed to move the Cowboys to midfield. With just seconds remaining, he launched a deep pass towards the end zone, but it was intercepted by Steelers defensive back Mel Blount, sealing Pittsburgh's victory. The final score was Pittsburgh Steelers 35, Dallas Cowboys 31. It was a game that lived up to its billing and then some, featuring incredible individual performances, dramatic swings of momentum, and a nail-biting finish. Terry Bradshaw was named the game's Most Valuable Player, completing 17 of 30 passes for 318 yards and 4 touchdowns. His performance solidified his status as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. Lynn Swann and John Stallworth combined for 7 receptions, 185 yards, and 3 touchdowns, showcasing the Steelers' explosive passing attack. For the Cowboys, Roger Staubach completed 17 of 30 passes for 228 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 1 interception. Tony Dorsett rushed for 96 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries, while Drew Pearson led the receivers with 4 catches for 73 yards. Super Bowl 13 is remembered as one of the greatest Super Bowls ever played. It featured two iconic franchises, legendary coaches in Chuck Noll and Tom Landry, and some of the greatest players ever to step on a football field. The game had everything – offensive fireworks, defensive stands, controversial moments, and a dramatic finish. The game was notable for several reasons beyond the final score. It marked the Steelers' third Super Bowl victory, solidifying their status as the team of the nineteen seventies. For players like Terry Bradshaw, Franco Harris, and "Mean" Joe Greene, it was another jewel in the crown of their Hall of Fame careers. For the Cowboys, while the loss was disappointing, it did nothing to diminish their status as one of the NFL's premier franchises. Players like Roger Staubach and Tony Dorsett had cemented their legacies, even in defeat. Super Bowl 13 also showcased the changing nature of professional football. The high-scoring affair, with both teams combining for 66 points, signaled a shift towards more offensive-minded football that would come to define the NFL in the coming decades. As we look back on Super Bowl 13 from our vantage point today, its significance in the history of professional football is clear. It was a showcase for some of the greatest talents ever to play the game, with an astounding 17 future Hall of Famers participating in the contest. The game served as a fitting capstone to the NFL's dominant teams of the nineteen seventies and set a standard for excitement and drama that future Super Bowls would strive to match. The game serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports. Despite all the analysis and predictions, once the players take the field, anything can happen. The Steelers' ability to make big plays in crucial moments, coupled with the Cowboys' resilience in the face of adversity, created a contest that would be remembered for generations. In conclusion, Super Bowl 13 stands as a pivotal moment in NFL history. It was a game that showcased the talents of future Hall of Famers like Terry Bradshaw, Franco Harris, Lynn Swann, Roger Staubach, and Tony Dorsett. It demonstrated the importance of clutch performances in championship moments, with both teams trading blows until the very end. And it set a standard for excitement and drama in the Super Bowl that arguably has never been surpassed. From Bradshaw's precision passing to Swann and Stallworth's acrobatic catches, from the Cowboys' valiant comeback attempt to Jackie Smith's infamous dropped pass, Super Bowl 13 provided moments that would be remembered and discusse