Super Bowl VI: A Gridiron Classic Analyzed
A comprehensive examination of the 1972 NFL Championship, featuring the Dallas Cowboys and the Miami Dolphins.
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Game Overview
Championship Clash
Super Bowl VI marked the culmination of the 1971 NFL season, pitting the Dallas Cowboys (NFC) against the Miami Dolphins (AFC). The Cowboys secured their first Super Bowl title, defeating the Dolphins 24-3. This victory was the first professional sports championship for a Dallas-based team.
Venue and Conditions
The game was held on January 16, 1972, at Tulane Stadium in New Orleans, Louisiana. It was notably the coldest Super Bowl played to date, with kickoff temperatures recorded at a chilly 39°F (4°C).
Most Valuable Player
Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) for his performance, which included two touchdown passes and efficient playmaking. He became the first quarterback to play the entire game and win the Super Bowl.
The Contenders
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys, coached by Tom Landry, entered the game with an 11-3 regular season record. Despite a previous Super Bowl loss (V), they were determined to overcome their reputation for faltering in crucial games. Key players included QB Roger Staubach, RB Duane Thomas, and the formidable "Doomsday Defense" anchored by DT Bob Lilly.
Miami Dolphins
Led by coach Don Shula, the Dolphins made their first Super Bowl appearance after an impressive 10-3-1 season. Their success was built on a strong running game featuring Larry Csonka and Jim Kiick, and a solid defense. QB Bob Griese and WR Paul Warfield were key offensive threats. Their defense was nicknamed the "No-Name Defense".
Game Progression
First Half
The game remained close in the initial half. Dallas opened the scoring with a field goal in the first quarter. In the second quarter, Staubach connected with Lance Alworth for a touchdown, extending the lead. Miami managed a field goal just before halftime, making the score 10-3 in favor of the Cowboys.
Second Half Dominance
Dallas asserted control in the second half. They extended their lead with a touchdown run by Duane Thomas early in the third quarter. The Cowboys' defense stifled the Dolphins' offense, preventing any further scoring. A crucial interception by Chuck Howley led to another Dallas touchdown, sealing the 24-3 victory.
Key Moments
Notable plays included Bob Lilly's record sack on Bob Griese, Staubach's touchdown passes to Alworth and Mike Ditka, and Howley's pivotal interception. The Cowboys' dominant rushing performance (252 yards) was a significant factor in their control of the game.
Statistical Breakdown
Performance Comparison
The Cowboys significantly outperformed the Dolphins in most statistical categories. Dallas achieved 23 first downs to Miami's 10 and dominated offensively with 352 total net yards compared to Miami's 185. The Cowboys' rushing attack was particularly effective, gaining 252 yards.
Individual Statistics
Roger Staubach led the Cowboys with 119 passing yards and 2 touchdowns. Duane Thomas was the game's leading rusher with 95 yards and a touchdown. For the Dolphins, Bob Griese threw for 134 yards, while Larry Csonka and Jim Kiick combined for 80 rushing yards.
Halftime Entertainment
Salute to Louis Armstrong
The halftime show was a tribute to the legendary New Orleans native, Louis Armstrong, who had passed away earlier that year. The performance featured a stellar lineup of artists.
Broadcast Details
Television Coverage
The game was broadcast nationally by CBS, with Ray Scott providing play-by-play commentary and Pat Summerall serving as the color commentator. Jack Whitaker hosted the pregame show.
Radio Coverage
CBS Radio provided the radio broadcast, with Andy Musser and Ray Geracy as the announcers.
Blackout Rules
Tulane Stadium was sold out, yet the game was subject to the NFL's unconditional blackout rules, preventing a live broadcast in the New Orleans area. This was the final Super Bowl to enforce such a local blackout, with rules changing the following year to allow broadcasts if tickets were sold out in advance.
Advertising
The cost of a 30-second commercial during the broadcast was approximately $86,100. The game achieved a Nielsen rating of 44.2, capturing an estimated 56.64 million viewers and a 74% market share.
Records and Milestones
Game Records
Super Bowl VI saw several records set or tied. The Cowboys' 252 rushing yards and 23 first downs were new benchmarks. Bob Lilly's sack of Bob Griese for a 29-yard loss remains the longest negative yardage play from scrimmage in Super Bowl history.
Team Records
The Cowboys became the first team to win a Super Bowl after losing the previous year's game. The Dolphins' 3 points scored set a record for futility, later matched by the Rams in Super Bowl LIII.
Starting Lineups
Dallas Cowboys
Offense: WR Bob Hayes, LT Tony Liscio, LG John Niland, C Dave Manders, RG Blaine Nye, RT Rayfield Wright, TE Mike Ditka, WR Lance Alworth, QB Roger Staubach, RB Duane Thomas, RB Walt Garrison.
Defense: LE Larry Cole, LT Jethro Pugh, RT Bob Lilly, RE George Andrie, LLB Dave Edwards, MLB Lee Roy Jordan, RLB Chuck Howley, LCB Herb Adderley, RCB Mel Renfro, LS Cornell Green, RS Cliff Harris.
(Hall of Fame members marked with ‡)
Miami Dolphins
Offense: WR Paul Warfield, LT Doug Crusan, LG Bob Kuechenberg, C Bob DeMarco, RG Larry Little, RT Norm Evans, TE Marv Fleming, WR Howard Twilley, QB Bob Griese, RB Jim Kiick, RB Larry Csonka.
Defense: LE Jim Riley, LT Manny Fernandez, RT Bob Heinz, RE Bill Stanfill, LLB Doug Swift, MLB Nick Buoniconti, RLB Mike Kolen, LCB Tim Foley, RCB Curtis Johnson, LS Dick Anderson, RS Jake Scott.
(Hall of Fame members marked with ‡)
Game Officials
officiating Crew
The officiating crew for Super Bowl VI consisted of:
- Referee: Jim Tunney (#32)
- Umpire: Joe Connell (#57)
- Head Linesman: Al Sabato (#10)
- Line Judge: Art Holst (#33)
- Back Judge: Ralph Vandenberg (#47)
- Field Judge: Bob Wortman (#84)
Notably, most of this crew would officiate Super Bowl XII, the last game played at Tulane Stadium.
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References
References
- Title game in this context refers to an NFL/AFL Championship Game prior to the NFL-AFL merger and an NFC/AFC Championship Game after the merger.
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