People like to argue about what the best era was for the NFL and there is something to be said for every era but the 70s and 80s were definitely the best years for sweet looking uniforms.
No question. Whats awesome about this channel is that ppl actually shared thoughtful opinions and arguments intelligently (without insults and keyboard warrior type stuff). Ppl disagree on some things and, guess what, its ok, and doesnt make either one 'an idiot' or whatever.
Although there were some good players traded away and maybe the return was suspect in some I would make all those trades again as the Cowboys turned out to be one of the greatest teams of the decade in all time, they were one Super Bowl win against the Steelers away from being the team of the 70s!
Thanks 👍 The Cowboys roster was seemingly loaded every year, so they really didn't need that many draft picks to remain competitive. Other teams relished their leftovers.
I don’t care how good Zorn was, he was never going to start over Roger Staubach, and Preston Pearson became a valuable member of the Cowboys offense as the third down possession receiver.
@@markgardner9460 No. I'm a lifelong Packers fan since the early 1960s, but I have lived my entire life in Washington and my dad was an original season ticket holder at the Kingdome. I watched a lot of Jim Zorn's games and he succeeded in Seattle because it was an expansion team with nothing to lose, and they opened up the offense and let him play fast and loose and to his strengths. I don't think he stands out in the regimented, disciplined Dallas offense. While Zorn was great for a few seasons, he regressed and was eventually beaten out by Dave Krieg, another undrafted guy from a small school. He was never the same afterward.
I covered the last 2 in the video. Richards only had 486 receiving yards and 1 receiving touchdown after leaving the Cowboys, so I did not include him in the video.
Blocking sleds in Minnesota.?. It's amazing that the Vikings were so good for that era! The Met was a winning atmosphere for the Vikings but not the best stadium,and I think the Vikings upper management was cheap!
We used to pass by the Met on our way to Church. Maybe it wasn't the nicest place. But I will say No field looked more perfect come November and December. That's when the field would turn different shades of green. When I think of of the term "Football Field" . The field in Bloomington always comes to mind. I'm still glad we left the Twin Cities before that Stadium was torn down.
Getting your vehicle out of that parking lot was a supreme test of one's patience. The players' parking lot was right out in the open with the rest of the fan parking. Hall of Fame Pitcher Jim Kaat told of staying overnight in a fan's Winnebago after a night game in which he ate and drank with the fans. Yeah, that's not happening anymore.
I compared the scrambling styles of the two players and it seems to me that Zorn was a sharper cutter, but that's probably due to playing all of those games on Astroturf.
Think the Cowboys, in retrospect, would have regretted keeping White over Zorn. Not that White was poor by any means, just that Zorn became the better QB. I do wonder if my Eagles make the SB in 1980 if Zorn was the QB in Dallas.
Jean Fugett signed for big bucks with the Redskins in 1976 as a free agent 2 others signed as free agents with Washington former Cowboy Calvin Hill and John Riggins
@@roxiebeagle Zorn wouldn’t had led them any further. White really was a superstar or close to. They were close to going to 3 SB’s. He seemed to fall apart in the championship games. Some unlucky breaks along the way later. Prevented him from HOF status.
THE BIGGEST MISTAKE OR ONE OF THE BIGGEST MISTAKES DALLAS HAS EVER MADE - at least to me: 1974 NFL DRAFT: The Cowboys traded for the first pick in the draft from the Houston Oilers. The Cowboys also had their own first round pick. No. 22. Here's where the "MISTAKE came into play. Having the first pick in the draft Dallas drafted DE Ed "TOO TALL" Jones - from Tennessee State. Not Tennessee. Not a bad player, "BUT" Dallas "LOVED" WR Lynn Swann - from USC. As a black myself, NO TEAM was going to draft a player from "TENNESSEE STATE" at that time. That's just the FACTS and the TRUTH. Of course, I don't agree with it, but that's the way it was back then. Dallas😢 "SHOULD'VE" drafted WR Lynn Swann "FIRST", then drafted "TOO TALL" Jones with their NO. 22 pick - if not an even later pick. Jones probably would've still been there. "WITHOUT" Swann's "HEROICS" in those two Super Bowls against DALLAS, it's debatable if the Steelers would've BEAT THEM. Very debatable. Probably wouldn't have. To emphasize "MY TAKE" on the "TOO TALL" Jones / Swann angle: Steelers Head Coach Chuck Noll (R.I.P.) "LOVED" WR John Stallworth (Stallworth was a BAD, BAD BOY, TOO) - who went to Alabama State, "NOT" Alabama. With Pittsburgh having the NO. 21 pick - in front of Dallas' NO. 22 pick, Noll wanted Stallworth - BAD. Steelers executives talked Noll out of using their NO. 21 pick on Stallworth, telling Noll, Stallworth (Alabama A&M) will be there later for us to draft. We have to get Swann (USC) right now. With only a couple of seconds left on the clock "BEFORE" Dallas could jump in make a pick - with a draft card that had Lynn Swann's name on it, the Steelers turned in their card - with WR Lynn Swann's name on it. SIDE NOTE NO. 1: Incidentally, 1974 was the year I became a Cowboys fan, when QB Clint Longley came in and BEAT Washington! SIDE NOTE NO. 2: There are plenty of "MISTAKES" in Dallas' history, but to me, the TOP 3 all involved WR's. 1.) "NOT" getting Lynn Swann 2.) "LETTING" the 49ers get Jerry Rice - who thought he was going to the Cowboys. They "LET" the 49ers pull off a trade with the Patriots to JUMP one spot in front them to grab him. 3.) Randy Moss NOT drafting Moss and paring him WR Michael Irvin was a BIG, BIG MISTAKE. Probably cost Dallas at least one Super Bowl. Jerry SHOULD'VE KNOWN: "IF" we don't draft him, another team will, so we might as well grab him!
Thank you for the very insightful comments! I really enjoy reading about the "whys" and "wherefores" when it comes to topics like this. Your Swann/Too Tall take is especially interesting!
@@markgardner9460 Please the correct term is "Could not have cared less." I think I'm also the only person in America who can correctly pronounce asterisk. As a physics professor, I'm a precise person - not a picky person. I also enjoy being corrected when I'm wrong, but few people have the courage these days to do so. Carry on...
I think it's important to look at the whole picture of these trades. Craig Morton had a decent career with the Cowboys. Was a vital backup to Dandy Don before being the starter when Meredith retired. Craig had a rocket arm which went great with Bob Hayes. Then came a rash of brutal injuries, the Deep Zone which killed Morton's game, and Roger who was better suited to run Coach Landry's new offense. Tom chose Roger and history was made. But Landry knew Craig was too experienced to be holding a clipboard. The trade helped both sides. In came a Manster of a man. Randy White to me was like a new version of Alan Page at DT. Randy was one of those who emptied his entire soul on the field. He was so ferocious he scared his own teammates. Randy was my favorite player for a long time. Looking at the other significant trade involving Zorn. Focus on what the Cowboys got. The importance of what Preston Pearson meant to the offense could not be overstated. he was more vital as a receiver as he was a RB. In the 1975 NFC Championship, Preston had 7 catches for 123 and 3 TD's against an excellent Rams defense in LA. When Dorsett came to the team, Landry made Preston a valuable 3rd down RB. In 1977 Preston Pearson was second on the team with 46 receptions and totaled 876 yards from scrimmage. In 1978 #26 led the team with 47 catches. And in a most crucial final game in '79 against Washington. Preston caught 5 balls for 105 yards and aTD. So I'd say America's Team fared pretty well with both deals.
Thank you. I wouldn't have kept either Morton or Zorn with Roger at the helm and White in the wings. Preston was an huge add that played selflessly and was clutch as they came. Great for both Zorn and Morton that they were able to find success with other teams rather than being relegated to holding the clipboard. Todd Christensen was one that truly blew up after Dallas made a move to trade him.
@@doublea1620 Getting such a versatile offensive weapon like Preston for a then 3rd string QB is quite a bargain to say the least. The Morton story was one of those what-if kind of career. Craig was drafted No 1 from Cal in '65. His strong arm, intelligence, and yes mobility spoke of potential. When Dandy got hurt, Morton would lead the team to some key wins with Meredith on the shelf. Then came a lot of circumstances, a few I mentioned here, that stymied Craig's potential. Landry liked Craig. And felt bad for him when he gave Roger the starting job. Morton was still a decent QB. But he was not Roger, who was a once-in a lifetime football player. I think Tom was happy that Morton found a second career in Denver. One thing I'll say was Morton was one tough guy. He took so many brutal hits in his career. It's amazing how long he lasted.
Dallas front office had more mega-hits in 70s than misses. Getting to pick so high in 3 separate drafts, while being a winning team, and not blowing those 3 picks was huge. The biggest Dallas what if for me is Thomas Henderson. So talented, he could have been LT before LT, and an HOFer. also, picking low in the first round for a number of years, Dallas front office had its share of duds.
Danny White had a good career- I wonder if the Cowboys offense would’ve been different if it would have been Jim Zorn who replaced Roger Staubach? We will never know.
I’d include Reggie Rucker and Toni Fritsch on this list as well. Rucker was a favorite of Brian Sipe and the Kardiac Kids Browns. Fritsch was an all pro kicker with the Oilers.
Steve DeBerg became known as a mentor. Joe Montana, John Elway, and Steve Young all backed up DeBerg at some point early in their careers. Also, he was a coach with the Falcons in 98 when injuries led him to come out a retirement in his 40's.
Zorn turned into a good qb, and a rarirty of a free agent making it, especially at qb. every team passed on zorn in every round of that draft, 12-15 rounds? Kudos to Seattle for keeping an eye on him.
@@edpinkerton7947 forgot about this. not sure if you are referencing the preference RHQB due to the emphasis on the running game? If the run blockers and TE were weighted towards the right side of the line it was a little awkward for an LHQB.
"Another"tight "one...never knew "Jim"Zorn" could "scramble" like that...."reminds me of "Bobby"Douglas"....in regards"to"passing"and being".elusive"....nice"R&B" toe-tapper"...that " went "along"with the "Directors "Cut"!!
Zorn's zigging and zagging does remind me of Douglass' style. The one difference is that when contact was imminent, Zorn avoided it while Douglass seemed to relish it.
Wow didn’t know about Todd Christensen’s slow career start. What a stud he turned out to be. Ended up with comparisons to the great Raider Dave Casper!
Dallas made some great trades for draft picks. Being able to get Randy White from the pick for Mortonn. h😢TooTall Jones with a pick for players from the Duane Thomas traden and Tony Dorsett with the pick from the other qb trade, I think Clint Longley? forgot to include Pat Donovan, obtained with a draft pick from trading one of the players received for Duane Thomas. Thomas eventually brought them 2 cornerstones of their DL and OL-and for a guy who still wouldn’t show up to play even when getting paid a ton.
Dude, I have told naby times that you are my favorite. But today I have a serious criticism. You need to include a significantly greater number of clips of cheerleaders. I don't like it he negative because it brings everybody down. But this is an important issue . I know I speak for all my fellow old farts. You have some well in many ways, but you have let US down in this category. It is difficult to determine which ERA was the best for NFL football. But there is no question about which ERA was the best for NFL cheerleaders. It was amazing how naby of them could have knocked Farrah Fawcett and Lynda Carter off the filming set. Locking at them makes me feel young again. Now, works in this, this week in practice. Take care of yourself. See you, (and some cheerleaders) next time.
Randy White went to the University of Maryland where was an All American defensive lineman and also a standout wrestler. While playing for the Cowboys he once said when his Mom attended games to see him play against their arch rival Washington Redskins at RFK Stadium in DC she carried a blackjack in her purse. That's a dedicated Sports Mom!
Yes, I saw that! I used to watch that show. I read where he lost a few times, but he never lost during the episodes that I viewed the show. He really knew his stuff!
I didn't realize how many players filed through the Dallas turnstiles. This was partly the work of Gil Brandt and Landry. The rare inter-division trade of Morton who went thru NY to Denver. The Cowboys sure made him pay, they beat the stuffing out of him in SB 12. Zorn was a great diminutive player, Broncos killer. The great Bob Martin & Larry Zimmer on KOA Radio; "Zorn - Largent- Touchdown". Zorn was as tuff as woodpecker lips. I thought DeBerg originated in San Fran, he sure got around. Ron Jessie, great player, clutch. Todd Christianson played mean (tough guy Raider) but was a good guy & good announcer. Those shots of mud games; anyone look for a muddy lot when we were kids and play tackle in a huge mud puddle? My poor mom! Thanks brother, you're appreciated.
@@markgardner9460 The Cowboys loved "finding" the diamond in the rough, the small school guy or position flip. Dan Reeves loved the same intrigue, Joe Dudeks of the world. Thanks
I've always thought that. He had an incredibly productive stretch where he was as good as any Tight End in the league and that includes Newsome and Winslow. Ozzie Newsome only had two 1,000 yard seasons (barely. 1,001 and 1,002) and Winslow had the same as Christiansen with three, but Christiansen's next best season was 987 yards while Winslow's was only 728 yards. I don't understand it; to me he's a clear cut Hall of Famer.
Players were so much cooler then. None of this p-diddy era. Just the style of face mask of each player showed there personality,something the nfl lacks personality and attitude. Hard to watch today's nfl. Draft was horrible.
Craig Morton got away from Dallas in time to take a drubbing 27-10 Dallas over Denver. After 4 or 5 sacks he had to be replaced. I believe it was 7 sacks on the day. The second time the Dallas defense had a Super Bowl MVP. Can you name the 3 players in 2 games?
I thought I might see a story about one of the biggest mistakes the Cowboys made in the 1970's and that was letting wide receiver ''Reggie Rucker'' go for nothing in return. Rucker was a very good and great player for the Cleveland Browns starting in 1975. Reggie Rucker got a Superbowl Ring for his short stay in Dallas for Superbowl V against the Dolphins.
Yes, I should have included Rucker in this video. The Cowboys weren't the only team to waive him and receiving nothing in return, as the Giants waived him in 1971 just like the Cowboys did. He played with the Patriots for the remainder of the 1971 season and only caught one pass in two games played for the Cowboys in 1971. So I'm surprised that the team would allow him to receive a Super Bowl ring.
I hated to see Bill Gregory depart. They should have kept him and used the 1975 #1 draft choice on Walter Payton instead of Randy White. That would have allowed them to keep their own #1 choice (and three #2 draft choices sent to Seattle for Dorsett) in 1977. Payton's style and leadership qualities would have worked out better for Landry's offense than Dorsett even though Tony was a great player in his own right.
That clip from the Directors cut of Jim Turner reminds me that he caught a touchdown pass from Norris Weese on a fake FG at Oakland a game Denver stunned the Raiders 30-7!
The only other team that had such a keen drafting acumen and judge of talent as the Cowboys was the Raiders. Love him or hate him, Al Davis was as shrewd as they come. Too bad those two never met up in the big game.
Zorn had a great career, but it's in no way clear he was as good as whoever was starting in Dallas during his years. Few would argue he was as good as Staubach, and he feels roughly equal to Danny White by the early 80s
Yes, I agree. The intent of the video wasn't to state that any of the featured players were better than the ones that the Cowboys kept - only that they got away. Thank you for watching and commenting.
The Cowboys letting players go and they becoming successful elsewhere was really bad in the 80's too. Todd Christensen was the best tight end in football for several years, but Dallas cut him in training camp.
Dallas "CUT" Todd Christensen because he was a FB they wanted to convert to TE. He didn't want to do it, so they "CUT" him. Being OUT ON THE STREETS until the Raiders signed him and wanted him to be a TE. "SUDDENLY", Christensen doesn't have a "PROBLEM" being a TE. That's what being OUT ON THE STREETS does to some players / people.
He was 39 in 1993 when it looked like he hung up his cleats, but then he came out of retirement in 1998 to play one last year with Atlanta at the age of 44.
A rare TD reception (one of his three) by the future radio voice of the Seahawks and KIRO 7 news anchor (retired in 2020) - Steve Raible First it was cheap mattresses from the nearby Motel 6 used as padding (4:05), now it's blocking sleds that are present DURING a game at Metropolitan Stadium (or as I like to call the place these days, THE MALL) According to the NFL's 75 Seasons book (which was better than their 100 seasons book IMO), the 'Expansion Bowl' was a penalty filled affair. Where was the mud bowl clips from?
35 penalties for 310 yards in The Expansion Bowl. I can still hear Bucs Head Coach John Robinson's reply to the reporter who asked him about his team's execution: "I'm all for it."
@@markgardner9460 You probably meant John McKay who also had a great quote during the Bucs inaugural season, 'Well we didn't block. And we made up for it by not tackling.'
I did not realize they dropped Zorn for Preston Pearson. I always heard that the Seahawks scavenged him in expansion pick up. Makes me feel better knowing we dropped him for Preston.
NO NO NO. Look at the '70's playoff season against lions, 49'ers, & super bowl game against the Colts. Lousy #'s for Morton especially the lions and SFran games....
All true. However, remember, Morton was much more Landry's style of QB. Roger was still considered more of a runner/risk taker, which Landry disdained. Even w the loss and bad #'s, Staubach didnt get the starting nod until several games into the '71 season, after they even alternated plays.
When Krieg beat out Zorn as the starting QB, I was shocked, but then he ended up with big numbers for a guy who wasn't even drafted - 261 TD passes and almost 40,000 passing yards.
@@markgardner9460 I don't honestly have a tangible reason it's my gut feeling that Zorn would have improvised more than Landry would have wanted him to,.if that makes sense
I peeked at Kansas University record in 69 with Riggins and Jessie they were 1-9 in 68 with Bobby Douglas at QB and John Zook at DE they were 9-2 and actually beat Nebraska at Lincoln!
Very interesting topic. Dallas certainly had a knack for identifying talent, but they were usually loaded. Only so many roster spots I suppose. That might be the one and only photo of Jim Zorn in Cowboys uniform. Good detective work! One of my all time favorites from childhood, Corny Greene was drafted by Dallas late in the 1976 draft, but could not make the team. He wasn’t pro QB material, but I thought he might stick as kick returner. Thanks for another thought provoking video.Mr. Gardner!
Thank you for bringing up Cornelius Greene! What a player he was at Ohio State! The Seahawks picked him up after the Cowboys waived him, but then Seattle ended up waiving him, too. Corny played in 4 Rose Bowls while starting in 3 of them - amazing.
Cornelius Greene? Wow haven't heard that name in a long time,!Not to be confused with the excellent DB Cornell Green who played for Dallas 62-74 and had 37 career picks
Zorn was the player I remember most. Very exciting quarterback and high energy. Him and Largent built up that team into a playoff contender. He eventually shared the starting quarterback position with Dave Krieg in 83, going as far as AFL Championship but losing to the Raiders. Krieg had a better year that year and was younger than Zorn so Chuck Knox went with Krieg in the 84 season. In 85 he was traded to the Packers and backed up which quarterback. See if you can guess.
People like to argue about what the best era was for the NFL and there is something to be said for every era but the 70s and 80s were definitely the best years for sweet looking uniforms.
You got that right!
Amen!
Hands down!
No question. Whats awesome about this channel is that ppl actually shared thoughtful opinions and arguments intelligently (without insults and keyboard warrior type stuff). Ppl disagree on some things and, guess what, its ok, and doesnt make either one 'an idiot' or whatever.
@@dtplusthepoints3409 I like that take! People here can agree to disagree!
Although there were some good players traded away and maybe the return was suspect in some I would make all those trades again as the Cowboys turned out to be one of the greatest teams of the decade in all time, they were one Super Bowl win against the Steelers away from being the team of the 70s!
That was a cool one Mark, you never know how a player will turn out, some just ok and some light the league up. Nice work again!!!!
Thanks 👍 The Cowboys roster was seemingly loaded every year, so they really didn't need that many draft picks to remain competitive. Other teams relished their leftovers.
I don’t care how good Zorn was, he was never going to start over Roger Staubach, and Preston Pearson became a valuable member of the Cowboys offense as the third down possession receiver.
But would he have started ahead of Danny White after Staubach retired after the 1979 season?
@@markgardner9460 No. I'm a lifelong Packers fan since the early 1960s, but I have lived my entire life in Washington and my dad was an original season ticket holder at the Kingdome. I watched a lot of Jim Zorn's games and he succeeded in Seattle because it was an expansion team with nothing to lose, and they opened up the offense and let him play fast and loose and to his strengths. I don't think he stands out in the regimented, disciplined Dallas offense. While Zorn was great for a few seasons, he regressed and was eventually beaten out by Dave Krieg, another undrafted guy from a small school. He was never the same afterward.
I was at that Buccaneers 🏴☠️ Jets game at Shea Stadium! 😊😊😊😊
That was "The Game of the Weak"
Golden Richards, Bill Gregory, Jean Fugett
I covered the last 2 in the video. Richards only had 486 receiving yards and 1 receiving touchdown after leaving the Cowboys, so I did not include him in the video.
Blocking sleds in Minnesota.?. It's amazing that the Vikings were so good for that era! The Met was a winning atmosphere for the Vikings but not the best stadium,and I think the Vikings upper management was cheap!
They paid top $ to keep Tark and Foreman, but they cut corners elsewhere.
We used to pass by the Met on our way to Church. Maybe it wasn't the nicest place. But I will say No field looked more perfect come November and December. That's when the field would turn different shades of green. When I think of of the term "Football Field" . The field in Bloomington always comes to mind. I'm still glad we left the Twin Cities before that Stadium was torn down.
@@jstube36 Oh I agree! It wasn't the prettiest venue but it was perfect for the Vikings of that era!
Getting your vehicle out of that parking lot was a supreme test of one's patience. The players' parking lot was right out in the open with the rest of the fan parking. Hall of Fame Pitcher Jim Kaat told of staying overnight in a fan's Winnebago after a night game in which he ate and drank with the fans. Yeah, that's not happening anymore.
@@markgardner9460 Cool stuff
A great scrambler like Tarkenton
I compared the scrambling styles of the two players and it seems to me that Zorn was a sharper cutter, but that's probably due to playing all of those games on Astroturf.
Think the Cowboys, in retrospect, would have regretted keeping White over Zorn. Not that White was poor by any means, just that Zorn became the better QB.
I do wonder if my Eagles make the SB in 1980 if Zorn was the QB in Dallas.
That's an interesting thought regarding the possible different result in the 1980 NFC Championship Game!
Pat Toomay from Dallas to Buffalo to Tampa Bay? Not a great career trajectory! Until he went to Oakland!
He was literally going down the drain until he went way out West.
It ended up getting better!
7:02 Yale Bowl
👍💜
The Cowboys often had an embarrassment of riches and could afford to lose guys like Reggie Rucker, Ron Jessie, and Jean Fugett.
Yes, I should have included Reggie Rucker, as well as Toni Fritsch in this video.
Jean Fugett signed for big bucks with the Redskins in 1976 as a free agent 2 others signed as free agents with Washington former Cowboy Calvin Hill and John Riggins
I’d still stick with Danny White. Was supposed to happen that way and it did. Zorn wouldn’t have led them to an SB.
White was definitely no slouch!
Danny White never led them to a Super Bowl.
@@roxiebeagle Zorn wouldn’t had led them any further. White really was a superstar or close to. They were close to going to 3 SB’s. He seemed to fall apart in the championship games. Some unlucky breaks along the way later. Prevented him from HOF status.
THE BIGGEST MISTAKE OR ONE OF THE BIGGEST MISTAKES DALLAS HAS EVER MADE - at least to me:
1974 NFL DRAFT:
The Cowboys traded for the first pick in the draft from the Houston Oilers.
The Cowboys also had their own first round pick.
No. 22.
Here's where the "MISTAKE came into play.
Having the first pick in the draft Dallas drafted DE Ed "TOO TALL" Jones - from Tennessee State.
Not Tennessee.
Not a bad player,
"BUT"
Dallas "LOVED" WR Lynn Swann - from USC.
As a black myself, NO TEAM was going to draft a player from "TENNESSEE STATE" at that time. That's just the FACTS and the TRUTH.
Of course, I don't agree with it, but that's the way it was back then.
Dallas😢 "SHOULD'VE" drafted WR Lynn Swann "FIRST", then drafted "TOO TALL" Jones with their NO. 22 pick - if not an even later pick.
Jones probably would've still been there.
"WITHOUT" Swann's "HEROICS" in those two Super Bowls against DALLAS, it's debatable if the Steelers would've BEAT THEM.
Very debatable.
Probably wouldn't have.
To emphasize "MY TAKE" on the "TOO TALL" Jones / Swann angle:
Steelers Head Coach Chuck Noll (R.I.P.) "LOVED" WR John Stallworth (Stallworth was a BAD, BAD BOY, TOO) - who went to Alabama State, "NOT" Alabama.
With Pittsburgh having the NO. 21 pick - in front of Dallas' NO. 22 pick, Noll wanted Stallworth - BAD.
Steelers executives talked Noll out of using their NO. 21 pick on Stallworth, telling Noll, Stallworth (Alabama A&M) will be there later for us to draft.
We have to get
Swann (USC) right now.
With only a couple of seconds left on the clock
"BEFORE" Dallas could jump in make a pick - with a draft card that had Lynn Swann's name on it, the Steelers turned in their card - with WR Lynn Swann's name on it.
SIDE NOTE NO. 1:
Incidentally, 1974 was the year I became a Cowboys fan, when QB Clint Longley came in and BEAT Washington!
SIDE NOTE NO. 2:
There are plenty of "MISTAKES" in Dallas' history, but to me, the TOP 3 all involved WR's.
1.) "NOT" getting Lynn Swann
2.) "LETTING" the 49ers get Jerry Rice - who thought he was going to the Cowboys.
They "LET" the 49ers pull off a trade with the Patriots to JUMP one spot in front them to grab him.
3.) Randy Moss
NOT drafting Moss and paring him WR Michael Irvin was a BIG, BIG MISTAKE.
Probably cost Dallas at least one Super Bowl.
Jerry SHOULD'VE KNOWN:
"IF" we don't draft him, another team will, so we might as well grab him!
Thank you for the very insightful comments! I really enjoy reading about the "whys" and "wherefores" when it comes to topics like this. Your Swann/Too Tall take is especially interesting!
@@markgardner9460
Thank you.
Not a flattering football card: 16:24 They could have been kinder.
Topps had no competition and seemingly could have cared less. It's great to see your comments again, Professor!
@@markgardner9460 Please the correct term is "Could not have cared less." I think I'm also the only person in America who can correctly pronounce asterisk. As a physics professor, I'm a precise person - not a picky person. I also enjoy being corrected when I'm wrong, but few people have the courage these days to do so. Carry on...
I think it's important to look at the whole picture of these trades. Craig Morton had a decent career with the Cowboys. Was a vital backup to Dandy Don before being the starter when Meredith retired. Craig had a rocket arm which went great with Bob Hayes. Then came a rash of brutal injuries, the Deep Zone which killed Morton's game, and Roger who was better suited to run Coach Landry's new offense. Tom chose Roger and history was made. But Landry knew Craig was too experienced to be holding a clipboard. The trade helped both sides. In came a Manster of a man. Randy White to me was like a new version of Alan Page at DT. Randy was one of those who emptied his entire soul on the field. He was so ferocious he scared his own teammates. Randy was my favorite player for a long time.
Looking at the other significant trade involving Zorn. Focus on what the Cowboys got. The importance of what Preston Pearson meant to the offense could not be overstated. he was more vital as a receiver as he was a RB. In the 1975 NFC Championship, Preston had 7 catches for 123 and 3 TD's against an excellent Rams defense in LA. When Dorsett came to the team, Landry made Preston a valuable 3rd down RB. In 1977 Preston Pearson was second on the team with 46 receptions and totaled 876 yards from scrimmage. In 1978 #26 led the team with 47 catches. And in a most crucial final game in '79 against Washington. Preston caught 5 balls for 105 yards and aTD. So I'd say America's Team fared pretty well with both deals.
Thank you. I wouldn't have kept either Morton or Zorn with Roger at the helm and White in the wings. Preston was an huge add that played selflessly and was clutch as they came. Great for both Zorn and Morton that they were able to find success with other teams rather than being relegated to holding the clipboard. Todd Christensen was one that truly blew up after Dallas made a move to trade him.
@@doublea1620 Getting such a versatile offensive weapon like Preston for a then 3rd string QB is quite a bargain to say the least. The Morton story was one of those what-if kind of career. Craig was drafted No 1 from Cal in '65. His strong arm, intelligence, and yes mobility spoke of potential. When Dandy got hurt, Morton would lead the team to some key wins with Meredith on the shelf. Then came a lot of circumstances, a few I mentioned here, that stymied Craig's potential. Landry liked Craig. And felt bad for him when he gave Roger the starting job. Morton was still a decent QB. But he was not Roger, who was a once-in a lifetime football player. I think Tom was happy that Morton found a second career in Denver. One thing I'll say was Morton was one tough guy. He took so many brutal hits in his career. It's amazing how long he lasted.
Yes, Morton took a heckuva beating with the Giants and his knees were in very bad shape. He was a courageous QB who I think was a very good leader.
@@doublea1620 and at the same time Dallas recognized his role as a TE, and TC eventually accepted that role with the Raiders and to great success.
Dallas front office had more mega-hits in 70s than misses. Getting to pick so high in 3 separate drafts, while being a winning team, and not blowing those 3 picks was huge. The biggest Dallas what if for me is Thomas Henderson. So talented, he could have been LT before LT, and an HOFer. also, picking low in the first round for a number of years, Dallas front office had its share of duds.
Danny White had a good career- I wonder if the Cowboys offense would’ve been different if it would have been Jim Zorn who replaced Roger Staubach? We will never know.
There may have been a few more bootlegs, but other than that I don't think there would have been many changes.
The Seahawks definitely had much better uniforms then!
Denver while not a offensive juggernaut was definitely a better fit for Morton than the Giants..had more weapons
I wasn't aware Ron Jessie was drafted by Dallas( what a athlete!) how did he get away!
Jessie and Riggins at Kansas? Woah
I’d include Reggie Rucker and Toni Fritsch on this list as well. Rucker was a favorite of Brian Sipe and the Kardiac Kids Browns. Fritsch was an all pro kicker with the Oilers.
Great recommendations! Thanks for providing.
Agreed re: Reggie Rucker
Steve DeBerg became known as a mentor. Joe Montana, John Elway, and Steve Young all backed up DeBerg at some point early in their careers.
Also, he was a coach with the Falcons in 98 when injuries led him to come out a retirement in his 40's.
Zorn turned into a good qb, and a rarirty of a free agent making it, especially at qb. every team passed on zorn in every round of that draft, 12-15 rounds? Kudos to Seattle for keeping an eye on him.
He was a bit on the smallish side ala Fran Tarkenton to whom he is commonly compared.
Also a lefty. That was viewed as a liability in that era
Yes it was - something about the receivers not liking the rotation of the spiraled footballs I think.
@@edpinkerton7947 forgot about this. not sure if you are referencing the preference RHQB due to the emphasis on the running game? If the run blockers and TE were weighted towards the right side of the line it was a little awkward for an LHQB.
@@markgardner9460It didn't seem to be a issue with Stabler!
"Another"tight "one...never knew "Jim"Zorn" could "scramble" like that...."reminds me of "Bobby"Douglas"....in regards"to"passing"and being".elusive"....nice"R&B" toe-tapper"...that " went "along"with the "Directors "Cut"!!
Zorn's zigging and zagging does remind me of Douglass' style. The one difference is that when contact was imminent, Zorn avoided it while Douglass seemed to relish it.
@@markgardner9460Oh yes, Douglass was much larger than Zorn!
Wow didn’t know about Todd Christensen’s slow career start. What a stud he turned out to be. Ended up with comparisons to the great Raider Dave Casper!
He almost caused himself to get bounced out of the league, but showed great heart by not giving up. He was absolutely terrific.
@@markgardner9460I enjoyed watching Christensen
Dallas made some great trades for draft picks. Being able to get Randy White from the pick for Mortonn. h😢TooTall Jones with a pick for players from the Duane Thomas traden and Tony Dorsett with the pick from the other qb trade, I think Clint Longley? forgot to include Pat Donovan, obtained with a draft pick from trading one of the players received for Duane Thomas. Thomas eventually brought them 2 cornerstones of their DL and OL-and for a guy who still wouldn’t show up to play even when getting paid a ton.
I can still hear Charlie Jones saying “Haven Moses!” Thanks for another great video! 😊😊😊😊
I really liked Charlie Jones - great voice!
@@markgardner9460Ch 8:17 arlie Jones had a distinctive voice!I remember him best from the "Miracle at the Met!" Vikings Browns in 1980
I’m surprised with Zorns success with the Seahawks that he bounced around a lot at the end of his career
Kind of the same with DeBerg
Dude, I have told naby times that you are my favorite. But today I have a serious criticism. You need to include a significantly greater number of clips of cheerleaders. I don't like it he negative because it brings everybody down. But this is an important issue . I know I speak for all my fellow old farts. You have some well in many ways, but you have let US down in this category. It is difficult to determine which ERA was the best for NFL football. But there is no question about which ERA was the best for NFL cheerleaders. It was amazing how naby of them could have knocked Farrah Fawcett and Lynda Carter off the filming set. Locking at them makes me feel young again. Now, works in this, this week in practice. Take care of yourself. See you, (and some cheerleaders) next time.
OK - gotcha I'll try to do better! Thanks for continuing to watch my videos - I appreciate it.
Zorn to Largent...
Randy White went to the University of Maryland where was an All American defensive lineman and also a standout wrestler.
While playing for the Cowboys he once said when his Mom attended games to see him play against their arch rival Washington Redskins at RFK Stadium in DC she carried a blackjack in her purse. That's a dedicated Sports Mom!
I honestly look forward to your videos Mark thanks again!
Glad you like them! I appreciate your insightful comments.
@@markgardner9460 Seeing the video makes me want to go digging as it were!
Mark did you know Howie Schwab of " Stump the Schwab" passed away a week ago?
Yes, I saw that! I used to watch that show. I read where he lost a few times, but he never lost during the episodes that I viewed the show. He really knew his stuff!
@@markgardner9460He absolutely did!
Reggie Rucker broke Pete Athas' jaw in a fight while with Dallas. , Tody Smith had some good years with Houston.
Great point about Tody Smith. I could have included him, too.
Zorn was happy going to Seattle instead of sitting on Dallas' bench. He looked great in Seattle. Morton was a Premium tackling dummy.
Morton had terrible knees - they were totally shot.
Zorn was called the left handed Fran Tarkenton because obviously his scrambling ability and he wore #10.
You nailed it. My Dad always said that Zorn reminded him of Tark.
Had a favorite receiver 80 Steve Largent an Oakie
Pro Football Hofer Steve Largent 100 td scored
I didn't realize how many players filed through the Dallas turnstiles. This was partly the work of Gil Brandt and Landry. The rare inter-division trade of Morton who went thru NY to Denver. The Cowboys sure made him pay, they beat the stuffing out of him in SB 12. Zorn was a great diminutive player, Broncos killer. The great Bob Martin & Larry Zimmer on KOA Radio; "Zorn - Largent- Touchdown". Zorn was as tuff as woodpecker lips. I thought DeBerg originated in San Fran, he sure got around. Ron Jessie, great player, clutch. Todd Christianson played mean (tough guy Raider) but was a good guy & good announcer. Those shots of mud games; anyone look for a muddy lot when we were kids and play tackle in a huge mud puddle? My poor mom! Thanks brother, you're appreciated.
The Cowboys were so adept at drafting - a lot of teams would pick up their castoffs cuz they knew they did their due diligence.
@@markgardner9460 The Cowboys loved "finding" the diamond in the rough, the small school guy or position flip. Dan Reeves loved the same intrigue, Joe Dudeks of the world. Thanks
@@jammininthepastThey were pretty astute drafting in the 70s and 80s.
Todd Christensen has HOF numbers.
I've always thought that. He had an incredibly productive stretch where he was as good as any Tight End in the league and that includes Newsome and Winslow. Ozzie Newsome only had two 1,000 yard seasons (barely. 1,001 and 1,002) and Winslow had the same as Christiansen with three, but Christiansen's next best season was 987 yards while Winslow's was only 728 yards. I don't understand it; to me he's a clear cut Hall of Famer.
Players were so much cooler then. None of this p-diddy era. Just the style of face mask of each player showed there personality,something the nfl lacks personality and attitude. Hard to watch today's nfl. Draft was horrible.
I like the Giants white facemasks.
I'm with you - they're solid!
Didn't need Craig because Roger beat him out. Jim zorn was a good QB, maybe he wouldn't have lost 3 straight title games 😢
so they lost Jim Zorn for a draft choice that turned out to be Randy White. I think that worked out OK for them just fine.
Preston Pearson was an outstanding running back for Dallas. He was a great acquisition.
Good riddance to Craig Morton
I have never seen so many doppelgängers in athletics that resemble Jim Zorn.
Craig Morton got away from Dallas in time to take a drubbing 27-10 Dallas over Denver. After 4 or 5 sacks he had to be replaced. I believe it was 7 sacks on the day. The second time the Dallas defense had a Super Bowl MVP. Can you name the 3 players in 2 games?
Beautiful Harvey Martin, The Manster - Randy White, and Chuck Howley.
I thought I might see a story about one of the biggest mistakes the Cowboys made in the 1970's and that was letting wide receiver ''Reggie Rucker'' go for nothing in return. Rucker was a very good and great player for the Cleveland Browns starting in 1975. Reggie Rucker got a Superbowl Ring for his short stay in Dallas for Superbowl V against the Dolphins.
Yes, I should have included Rucker in this video. The Cowboys weren't the only team to waive him and receiving nothing in return, as the Giants waived him in 1971 just like the Cowboys did. He played with the Patriots for the remainder of the 1971 season and only caught one pass in two games played for the Cowboys in 1971. So I'm surprised that the team would allow him to receive a Super Bowl ring.
I hated to see Bill Gregory depart. They should have kept him and used the 1975 #1 draft choice on Walter Payton instead of Randy White. That would have allowed them to keep their own #1 choice (and three #2 draft choices sent to Seattle for Dorsett) in 1977. Payton's style and leadership qualities would have worked out better for Landry's offense than Dorsett even though Tony was a great player in his own right.
Thanks for commenting - I enjoy the "what if's?", especially when they make sense
Zorn and Largent .. Mark i like those lefty QBs
That clip from the Directors cut of Jim Turner reminds me that he caught a touchdown pass from Norris Weese on a fake FG at Oakland a game Denver stunned the Raiders 30-7!
That was a bully beat down!
You forgot the greatest of them all Jimmy Smith had 9 1,000+ receiving yards for the Jacksonville Jags
Jimmy played in the '90's, so he didn't qualify for this video. I really enjoyed watching him play - thanks for bringing him up.
Jim Zorn never played a down for the Cowboys however
The only other team that had such a keen drafting acumen and judge of talent as the Cowboys was the Raiders. Love him or hate him, Al Davis was as shrewd as they come. Too bad those two never met up in the big game.
It's amazing that those 2 teams never met in the Super Bowl, isn't it? Crazy.
Zorn had a great career, but it's in no way clear he was as good as whoever was starting in Dallas during his years.
Few would argue he was as good as Staubach, and he feels roughly equal to Danny White by the early 80s
Yes, I agree. The intent of the video wasn't to state that any of the featured players were better than the ones that the Cowboys kept - only that they got away. Thank you for watching and commenting.
Not a Giants fan or hater, but I really thought Arnsbarger would do a pretty good job there..i missed the boat there!
I think most fans thought the same. That's the way it goes sometime!
It's a shame they never really built an offense around Jim Zorn. Back then the last thing coaches wanted was another Fran Tarkenton
You're right - QB's were getting knocked around back then and a scrambler was deemed to be at even more risk for injury that a pocket passer.
The Cowboys letting players go and they becoming successful elsewhere was really bad in the 80's too. Todd Christensen was the best tight end in football for several years, but Dallas cut him in training camp.
Dallas "CUT" Todd Christensen because he was a FB they wanted to convert to TE.
He didn't want to do it, so they "CUT" him.
Being OUT ON THE STREETS until the Raiders signed him and wanted him to be a TE.
"SUDDENLY", Christensen doesn't have a "PROBLEM" being a TE.
That's what being OUT ON THE STREETS does to some players / people.
@@dcoopthemann Yeah, I'm sure he was homeless.
DeBerg played almost as long as Brady . how old was he when he retired ?
He was 39 in 1993 when it looked like he hung up his cleats, but then he came out of retirement in 1998 to play one last year with Atlanta at the age of 44.
I remeber Craig morton in Denver with Broncos got replaced with same number 7 Pro Football Hofer John Elway.
Yes, prior to that he successfully fended off #17 Matt Robinson whom the Broncos traded big draft picks to the Jets for.
Red Miller made a decision as Head Coach
A rare TD reception (one of his three) by the future radio voice of the Seahawks and KIRO 7 news anchor (retired in 2020) - Steve Raible
First it was cheap mattresses from the nearby Motel 6 used as padding (4:05), now it's blocking sleds that are present DURING a game at Metropolitan Stadium (or as I like to call the place these days, THE MALL)
According to the NFL's 75 Seasons book (which was better than their 100 seasons book IMO), the 'Expansion Bowl' was a penalty filled affair.
Where was the mud bowl clips from?
35 penalties for 310 yards in The Expansion Bowl. I can still hear Bucs Head Coach John Robinson's reply to the reporter who asked him about his team's execution: "I'm all for it."
@@markgardner9460 You probably meant John McKay who also had a great quote during the Bucs inaugural season, 'Well we didn't block. And we made up for it by not tackling.'
Yes, I meant McKay. Thank you. He had some great dry humor...and quite a few USC players on his roster that he coached in college.
I think the Bengals are the only team whose uniform got better!
Their old uniform was as basic as it gets.....including the helmet "logo"
The music is outstanding!! I want to know who it is.
Each clip is a different band/composer. I'm glad you liked it.
I did not realize they dropped Zorn for Preston Pearson. I always heard that the Seahawks scavenged him in expansion pick up. Makes me feel better knowing we dropped him for Preston.
The Cowboys only went with 2 QB's on their '76 roster. Gutsy.
@@markgardner9460 true. I think Drew was their emergency backup. Charlie Waters played an also in college. Neither had pro arms.
I forgot about Drew, but didn't know about Charlie. Thanks! That helps to make sense of them only going with 2 QB's on the roster.
Steve Deberg got replaced Joe Cool Montana I remembered as a kid 1980.
Too many turnovers - 5 interceptions against the Cowboys in one 1980 game, as I recall.
A replaceable QB 3 times a charm
How tall was Zorn..Fran was taller than he looked
Pro Football Reference states that Zorn is 6'2" and Tarkenton is 6'0"
Had the Cowboys won SB V, there's a decent chance Staubach doesnt end up as the starting QB for the Cowboys.
Interesting point! Could Morton have kept the starting job?.Who knows?
NO NO NO. Look at the '70's playoff season against lions, 49'ers, & super bowl game against the Colts. Lousy #'s for Morton especially the lions and SFran games....
All true. However, remember, Morton was much more Landry's style of QB. Roger was still considered more of a runner/risk taker, which Landry disdained. Even w the loss and bad #'s, Staubach didnt get the starting nod until several games into the '71 season, after they even alternated plays.
Great stuff.
Thanks!
Ah, the Kingdome's green concrete....
Those domed stadiums were so blah.
The blazing southpaw pitcher and exciting one jim Zorn which as a kid I liked alot
👍👍👍
No Clint Longley? 😜
That's a good one!
Ron jessie was a good one
Yes - he was an athletic marvel, too.
Great content...I was a big Jim Zorn fan...wasn't Largent cut by the Cowboys too ?
Largent was cut by the Oilers. I dig both of those guys - great combo.
@@markgardner9460 I knew he was cut by somebody...they were a great combo...Largent and David Kreig were good too !
When Krieg beat out Zorn as the starting QB, I was shocked, but then he ended up with big numbers for a guy who wasn't even drafted - 261 TD passes and almost 40,000 passing yards.
@@markgardner9460 Another guy I think is a borderline HOFer ! Of course the knock on him is he fumbled more times than anyone.
His name does not come up when fans think about '80's/'90's passers with big numbers, but he was excellent.
I don't know if Zorn and Tom Landry would have been a good fit
Why is that, Steven?
@@markgardner9460 I don't honestly have a tangible reason it's my gut feeling that Zorn would have improvised more than Landry would have wanted him to,.if that makes sense
I peeked at Kansas University record in 69 with Riggins and Jessie they were 1-9 in 68 with Bobby Douglas at QB and John Zook at DE they were 9-2 and actually beat Nebraska at Lincoln!
That's no easy feat!
@@markgardner9460 Nebraska was extremely tough to beat at Lincoln then!
Very interesting topic. Dallas certainly had a knack for identifying talent, but they were usually loaded. Only so many roster spots I suppose. That might be the one and only photo of Jim Zorn in Cowboys uniform. Good detective work! One of my all time favorites from childhood, Corny Greene was drafted by Dallas late in the 1976 draft, but could not make the team. He wasn’t pro QB material, but I thought he might stick as kick returner. Thanks for another thought provoking video.Mr. Gardner!
Thank you for bringing up Cornelius Greene! What a player he was at Ohio State! The Seahawks picked him up after the Cowboys waived him, but then Seattle ended up waiving him, too. Corny played in 4 Rose Bowls while starting in 3 of them - amazing.
Cornelius Greene? Wow haven't heard that name in a long time,!Not to be confused with the excellent DB Cornell Green who played for Dallas 62-74 and had 37 career picks
Zorn was the player I remember most. Very exciting quarterback and high energy. Him and Largent built up that team into a playoff contender. He eventually shared the starting quarterback position with Dave Krieg in 83, going as far as AFL Championship but losing to the Raiders. Krieg had a better year that year and was younger than Zorn so Chuck Knox went with Krieg in the 84 season. In 85 he was traded to the Packers and backed up which quarterback. See if you can guess.
Dickey?
@@markgardner9460 Number 12!
Wow did Todd Christinsen ever break out in the mid 80s! He was also a over 45 decathlete champion! Unfortunately he passed away early at 57 ..
Yeah, it's a sad story of how he died - not going to go into details
@@markgardner9460 Liver failure and a prior botched surgery I believe
No, the biggest name to get away is Steve Largent. Signed with the Cowboys in 76 and they let him go.
Actually, he played with another Texas team - the Oilers. He's my second favorite WR - I've sported his jersey a time or two in my videos.
Largent was the ultimate overachiever in my opinion! He made the most of his talent!
He probably made more acrobatic catches than anyone who ever played. Cris Carter is in that conversation, too.
@@markgardner9460 I have Largent as the goat Seahawk.
Yes. There's nobody even close in my estimation. Cortez Kennedy and Shawn Alexander are next in consideration.
I loved those orange crush jerseys with the retro helmets of mile high stadium Denver Broncos
YES!!!
Delicious orange wedges
What do you think of their new 2024 uniforms?
Love ❤ them
Spell check needs to be outlawed.