The long-awaited Super Bowl LX is upon us, yet the Dallas Cowboys once again find themselves on the sidelines, missing the playoffs for the second consecutive year with a disappointing 7-9-1 record. This marks the 30th season since the Cowboys last claimed a league title, and as the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots prepare to battle for the championship at Levi’s Stadium in San Francisco, the Cowboys’ storied legacy feels increasingly distant.
Reflecting on the Cowboys’ historical significance in the NFL invites nostalgia for their past glory. Jerry Jones transformed the team upon his acquisition in 1989, leading to a remarkable revival that saw the franchise emerge as a dominant force. Under head coach Jimmy Johnson, the Cowboys became a modern dynasty, boasting eight Super Bowl appearances and securing five championships over their history.
Fans often engage in discussions ranking these iconic Super Bowl teams. Using Defense-Adjusted Value Over Average (DVOA), a sophisticated metric that assess team performance situationally and against opponents, we can evaluate each of the Cowboys’ Super Bowl squads.
Kicking things off, the 1975 Cowboys rank eighth, with a total DVOA of 16.4%. Despite a strong finish to the regular season and a successful playoff run, they lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl X. Meanwhile, the 1993 Cowboys, who displayed resilience by overcoming an early season setback and eventually winning Super Bowl XXVIII, rank seventh with a DVOA of 25.0%. Star running back Emmitt Smith led the NFL in rushing yards and scoring that season, solidifying their place in Cowboys lore.
Following close behind, the 1978 Cowboys, holding a DVOA of 26.9%, saw a strong regular season performance but fell short against the Steelers in Super Bowl XIII. Similarly, the 1970 squad experienced heartache in their Super Bowl debut, ranking fifth with a DVOA of 27.1% after a narrow loss to the Baltimore Colts.
The 1992 Cowboys, another championship-winning team, are fourth on the list with a DVOA of 35.3%. They showcased dominance throughout their season, culminating in a decisive Super Bowl victory over the Buffalo Bills. The 1995 Cowboys, who reclaimed the title after a brief playoff absence, hold the third spot with a DVOA of 37.6%, marked by star performances from Smith and Michael Irvin.
The legendary 1977 Cowboys, renowned for their exceptional playoff performance, rank second with a DVOA of 33.0%. Their remarkable defensive prowess allowed them to stroll through the playoffs, leading to a Super Bowl win against the Denver Broncos. Finally, the top-ranked squad—the 1971 Cowboys—boasted a DVOA of 33.9%. Their “Doomsday Defense” was instrumental in their Super Bowl victory, making it one of the most formidable units in NFL history.
As the Cowboys continue striving to return to their former greatness, fans remain hopeful that a new chapter is on the horizon, filled with promise and renewed championship aspirations. The legacy of past teams serves as a source of inspiration and a reminder that the organization is rich in history and success, with the potential to reclaim its place atop the NFL landscape.