Super Bowl V: A Tactical Analysis
Examining the 1971 NFL Championship: The Baltimore Colts vs. the Dallas Cowboys.
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Game Overview
Championship Decided
Super Bowl V marked the fifth iteration of the championship game and the first under the modern NFL structure, following the AFL-NFL merger. It pitted the American Football Conference (AFC) champion Baltimore Colts against the National Football Conference (NFC) champion Dallas Cowboys.
The Colts ultimately secured their first NFL title with a dramatic 16-13 victory, sealed by a late field goal.
Date and Venue
The game took place on January 17, 1971, at the Miami Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida. Notably, it was the first Super Bowl played on artificial turf, specifically a Poly-Turf surface.
The kickoff occurred at 2:00 p.m. EST, making it an earlier start time for Eastern viewers.
The 'Blunder Bowl'
Despite the high stakes, Super Bowl V is infamously remembered for its high number of turnovers, penalties, and overall sloppy play, earning it nicknames like the "Blunder Bowl" or "Stupor Bowl."
The combined 11 turnovers and 133 yards in penalties against Dallas set records for the game.
Historical Context
Post-Merger Era
This game signified the official championship following the complete AFL-NFL merger. The league structure was reorganized into two conferences (AFC and NFC), each comprising 13 teams. The Colts, previously representing the NFL, now competed as part of the AFC.
Team Narratives
The Baltimore Colts, led by veteran quarterback Johnny Unitas, sought redemption after their surprising loss in Super Bowl III. Despite an 11-2-1 regular season, Unitas's inconsistent play and injuries put pressure on the team.
The Dallas Cowboys, making their inaugural Super Bowl appearance, carried the weight of previous near-misses in championship games, aiming to shed their reputation for falling short in crucial moments.
Broadcast and Betting
The game was broadcast nationally by NBC, with Curt Gowdy, Kyle Rote, and Bill Enis providing commentary. Despite a sell-out crowd, local TV blackouts were in effect, though challenged legally.
Oddsmakers favored the Colts by 2.5 points, with an over/under of 36 total points.
Team Rosters
Baltimore Colts
Record: 11-2-1 (AFC East Champions)
Key Players:
- QB: Johnny Unitas (injured during game), Earl Morrall
- TE: John Mackey (Hall of Fame)
- DT: Bubba Smith
- LB: Mike Curtis, Ted Hendricks
- S: Jerry Logan, Rick Volk
- K: Jim O'Brien
Strengths: Balanced offense, strong defense anchored by Pro Bowlers.
Dallas Cowboys
Record: 10-4 (NFC East Champions)
Key Players:
- QB: Craig Morton, Roger Staubach
- RB: Duane Thomas, Walt Garrison
- DT: Bob Lilly (Hall of Fame)
- LB: Chuck Howley (MVP), Lee Roy Jordan, Dave Edwards
- CB: Mel Renfro (Hall of Fame), Herb Adderley (Hall of Fame)
Strengths: Dominant "Doomsday Defense," strong running game.
Game Progression
Early Exchanges
The game commenced with a series of turnovers and penalties, setting the tone for the contest. Dallas established an early 3-0 lead via a field goal after an interception.
The second quarter saw both teams exchange field goals and touchdowns. A 75-yard touchdown reception by John Mackey tied the score for Baltimore, but a blocked extra point kept the game level.
Mid-Game Struggles
Dallas regained the lead, 13-6, before halftime following another Colts turnover. The second half continued the pattern of errors, with both offenses struggling to maintain possession or capitalize on opportunities.
Unitas exited the game in the second quarter due to injury, replaced by Earl Morrall.
Final Moments
Baltimore managed to tie the game at 13-13 in the fourth quarter with a touchdown run by Tom Nowatzke. Following another turnover forced by the Colts' defense, rookie kicker Jim O'Brien kicked a 32-yard field goal with just five seconds remaining, securing the victory.
The Cowboys' final desperation pass was intercepted, sealing the Colts' championship.
Statistical Breakdown
Key Matchups
Total Yards: Colts 329, Cowboys 215
Turnovers: Colts 7 (4 fumbles, 3 INTs), Cowboys 4 (1 fumble, 3 INTs)
Penalties: Colts 4 for 31 yards, Cowboys 10 for 133 yards
Time of Possession: Colts 28:37, Cowboys 31:23
Individual Performances
Passing Leaders:
- Colts: Earl Morrall (7/15, 147 yds), Johnny Unitas (3/9, 88 yds, 1 TD, 2 INT)
- Cowboys: Craig Morton (12/26, 127 yds, 1 TD, 3 INT)
Receiving: John Mackey (Colts) led with 2 catches for 80 yards and 1 TD.
Rushing: Walt Garrison (Cowboys) led with 65 yards on 12 carries.
Key Figures
MVP Awardee
For the only time in Super Bowl history, the Most Valuable Player award was given to a player from the losing team.
Chuck Howley, linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys, received the honor for his two interceptions and strong defensive play, despite the Cowboys' defeat.
Game-Winning Kicker
Colts rookie kicker Jim O'Brien etched his name in history with the game-winning 32-yard field goal in the final seconds.
His clutch performance overcame the team's earlier struggles and secured the championship.
Coaching Strategies
Don McCafferty, in his first year as head coach, became the first rookie head coach to win a Super Bowl.
Tom Landry, head coach of the Cowboys, faced criticism for his team's numerous penalties and inability to convert opportunities, despite the team's overall success in the preceding years.
Records and Honors
Records Set
Super Bowl V saw several records established, primarily related to turnovers and penalties, reflecting the game's chaotic nature.
- Most Turnovers (Team): 7 (Colts)
- Most Penalties (Game): 10 (Cowboys)
- Most Yards Penalized (Game): 133 (Cowboys)
Individual records were also set, including longest scoring play (75 yards) by John Mackey.
Championship Legacy
The victory marked the Colts' first Super Bowl title, providing crucial redemption after their Super Bowl III loss. It also initiated a trend where the losing team of one Super Bowl would win the following year.
Dallas, after losing Super Bowl V, went on to win Super Bowl VI the next season.
Broadcast & Entertainment
Television Coverage
NBC provided the live broadcast in the United States, featuring announcers Curt Gowdy, Kyle Rote, and Bill Enis. The game achieved a Nielsen rating of 39.9, watched by an estimated 46 million viewers.
The broadcast faced challenges with local blackouts in Miami, though the necessity of such rules was questioned.
Halftime Show
The halftime entertainment featured the Southeast Missouri State College Marching Golden Eagles Band, accompanied by singer Anita Bryant. The show also included performers from Up with People.
Floats representing each of the league's 26 teams were part of the spectacle.
Study
Key Takeaways
Super Bowl V serves as a compelling case study in the impact of turnovers and penalties on game outcomes. Despite statistical advantages in yardage, the Colts' ability to overcome their own errors and capitalize on late opportunities highlights resilience.
The game underscores the importance of field position and special teams play, as demonstrated by the critical missed extra point and the game-winning field goal.
Tactical Considerations
The quarterback play, particularly the injury to Unitas and the performance of Morrall and Morton, significantly influenced the game's flow. The effectiveness of both teams' defenses in forcing turnovers was paramount.
The Cowboys' inability to convert red zone opportunities and their high penalty count proved detrimental, illustrating the fine margins in championship games.
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References
References
- Stood until Super Bowl LI, where the Patriots led for zero in-game seconds and won.
- Hot Super Bowl contest targeted for Alaska fans http://americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1971/1971-01-18-BC.pdf
- Neft, David S., Cohen, Richard M., and Korch, Rick. The Complete History of Professional Football from 1892 to the Present.
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Disclaimer
Important Notice
This content has been generated by an AI model for educational and informational purposes, based on data from Wikipedia. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and adherence to the source material, it may not capture all nuances or the most current information.
This is not professional sports analysis or commentary. The information provided should not be used as a substitute for expert analysis or official historical records. Always consult primary sources and official NFL documentation for definitive information.
The creators are not responsible for any errors, omissions, or actions taken based on the information presented herein.